Dara Barrois/Dixon, co-editor of “Hell, I Love Everybody: The Essential James Tate,” shares insights into her experience curating the collection and the profound impact of Tate’s poetry.
James Tate, the Pulitzer Prize-winning American poet, left an indelible mark on the literary world with his unique and imaginative verse. In a recent interview, Dara Barrois/Dixon, co-editor of “Hell, I Love Everybody: The Essential James Tate,” offers a glimpse into the process of selecting and editing the collection. Barrois/Dixon, who was married to Tate for over twenty-five years, provides valuable insights into Tate’s poetic legacy and the profound influence his work had on her own writing.
Discovering the Unpredictable Brilliance
As Barrois/Dixon delved into Tate’s entire oeuvre, she found herself captivated by the poet’s dedication to imagination. The poems evolved over the years while remaining deeply connected to the human experience. Barrois/Dixon highlights the exceptional beauty of Tate’s readings, emphasizing his genuine delivery that resonates with listeners.
Honoring Tate’s Authenticity
Barrois/Dixon acknowledges the impossibility of predicting or emulating Tate’s creative process. She emphasizes the importance of honoring his unique voice and resisting the temptation to second-guess his choices. Tate’s enigmatic nature and ever-changing poetic style are what make his work truly irresistible.
The Mysterious Art of Selection
The process of selecting and editing the collection was a collaborative effort involving Barrois/Dixon and co-editors Emily Pettit and Kate Lindroos. They meticulously read Tate’s books chronologically, engaging in biweekly Zoom meetings to discuss and share their favorite poems. The selection process involved multiple rounds and diverse perspectives to ensure a range of quintessential Tate poems were included in the final collection.
Poems That Spoke Volumes
Barrois/Dixon shares that it was challenging to single out one poem as a standout choice. Instead, they focused on selecting poems that resonated with them individually and ones they believed others would appreciate. The eclectic nature of the collection is a testament to the diverse perspectives and open-mindedness of the editors.
A Personal Connection
When asked if there was a particular poem that spoke directly to her, Barrois/Dixon finds it difficult to choose just one. She explains that every poem in the collection and many others that didn’t make the cut resonated deeply with her. The ability of a poem to connect with the reader on a personal level is what makes it truly powerful and worth reading.
The Influence of Tate’s Work
Barrois/Dixon reflects on how her deep engagement with Tate’s body of work has influenced her own writing and thinking. She considers herself fortunate to have had a close relationship with his poetry throughout their partnership. Barrois/Dixon is curious to hear her fellow editors’ thoughts on the matter, acknowledging that their collaboration has enriched their understanding of Tate’s work.
The Power of Reading Aloud
Barrois/Dixon reveals the intimate ritual of reading each other’s poems at the end of the day. She describes the anticipation and trust that accompanied these readings, as Tate’s genuine reactions provided valuable insight into the effectiveness of her work. The exchange fostered a deep understanding and connection between them.
The Poetry of Understanding
When reading Tate’s poems to him, Barrois/Dixon believes he was listening for a sense of understanding. She describes the shifts and shades of tones that indicate comprehension and the uncanny truth that humans can sometimes truly understand one another. The act of reading and listening to poetry allows for a connection that transcends loneliness and provides a sense of kinship.
Poetry About Poetry
Barrois/Dixon acknowledges the prevalence of poems about poetry in Tate’s collection. She notes that these poems explore various angles and perspectives on the art form. Poetry, for Tate, was an integral part of his life, and it naturally found its way into many of his works alongside themes of love, life, death, and the beauty of the world.
Finding Harmony in Disagreement
Barrois/Dixon admits that she and Tate agreed on many things, which formed the foundation of their relationship. However, she acknowledges that disagreements are inevitable. While poetry allows for the exploration of paradoxes and mysteries, she reveals that they disagreed on their preferences for loud chase/crash movies and once had a playful argument about her excessive reading of Blake.
Conclusion:
Dara Barrois/Dixon’s profound understanding of James Tate’s poetry shines through in her interview. The process of curating “Hell, I Love Everybody: The Essential James Tate” allowed her to delve deeper into the brilliance of Tate’s work and appreciate the multitude of ways his poems resonate with readers. Barrois/Dixon’s insights offer a unique perspective on Tate’s legacy and the enduring power of his poetry.
Leave a Reply