Obsidian Eagle: Anti-Poet Extraordinaire
Flying under the radar and above the weather
There is a lesser known poetic school of thought that was born in Chile during the second half of the twentieth century and spread to varying degrees throughout the rest of Latin America. ‘Antipoesia’ literally translates into Anti-Poetry. This movement was founded by one Nicanor Parra, whose verse Britannica describes as:
colloquial, often irreverent language, light treatment of classical forms, and humorous tone.
However, in the English speaking world, the impact of Parra’s antipoetic style hasn’t been fully felt as of yet. This is probably because (like any newer modality) it’s still largely misunderstood. Thus, nobody has dared to pick up that torch. Until now that is…
Enter Obsidian Eagle — whom openly operates under a nom-de-plume — the first proper (or perhaps improper) English Anti-Poet. OE considers himself blessed to be bilingual, since this has enabled him to translate not merely the letter of Nicanor Parra’s credo, but more importantly: its vital Esprit.
Anti-Poetry challenges not only those conventions related to writing poetry, but also the vaunted position that poets occupy in the popular mindset. Parra aimed to defuse the egotism inherent in producing poems by presenting an alternative take. So too has Obsidian Eagle attempted to emulate his example. During the last ten years, Yours Truly has written well over 200 ‘Anti-Poems’, none of which contain any first person pronouns (I, me, my, or mine).
Practicing such a discipline has forced OE to experiment and improvise with archaic and futuristic forms alike. Even his essays and fiction often feature some controlled measure of Prosimetrum (his favorite technique among many others). Admittedly, these perceived pretensions may detract readers from engaging with the material in question. However, if you’ll permit a retort in the author’s own words:
This was etched here for the few, never ever for the many / It is meet to start a feud, against those whose words are empty.”
~ Vanitas Vanitatum Et Omnia Vanitas! 22/01/10
Keeping all that in mind, I hereby present a small selection of my most recent work on this bewildering topic…
Anti-Poetry A La Obsidian:
