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Rebroadcast: The Dickman Brothers
Here's one introduction to the Dickmans: what they were reading when they appeared on the show last summer.
Their visibility outside the poetry world jumped when The New Yorker profiled the twins earlier this year. Since then, they've continued to write, teach, and talk at literary events around the Northwest and elsewhere.
Michael's work has been called "spare" and "durable." Here's an excerpt from his poem "Nervous System":
When I think of the childhood inside me I think of sunlight dying
on a windowsillThe voices of my friends
in the sunlightAll of us running around
outside of our
deaths
Reviews of Matthew's first volume of poetry described his work as "luminous" and "of the moment." Here is part of "Sad Little Outlaw":
Tied to the tree, as I was, while my brother galloped
through the backyard, straddling a broom,
a plastic six-shooter in his hand.
I was always being left behind
in the mud, a bandage around my eyes,
until he reached out
just enough so that our fingers slipped apart
and he could ride away, calling out my name as the posse advanced.
But it wasn’t really my name
with its biblical limitations, no, he called out Johnny!!!
Johnny, that all-American from Kansas and Iowa, that Johnny
from New Jersey and Queens, a boy
people will beat their chests for as the flag is being folded
into its triangle of pity.
What do you think of this pair of Portland poets?
Tagged as: matthew dickman · michael dickman · northwest passages · poetry
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THANK you for this week's series on NW writers, and especially for today's program with the Dickman brothers. After Matthew read "Country Music" I immediately called Broadway Books and ordered his "All-American Poem."
As a writer, I'm biased, but this week's episodes of TOL have been my favorite of any you've done. I was in a bit of a dry spell with my writing, but listening to authors every morning is encouraging and challenging me. And the Dickman brothers reminded me of how much I love poetry -- it's been a long time since I've written or even read poems, but I really connected with their work today.
Thank you!
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What was it Mark Twain said about the reports of his death? I think that also applies to poetry. Some official voice is always pronouncing it dead, but still, these amazing young men rise up out of our common life and reveal it all to us in these new ways. This is a beautiful interview. I'm going out to buy their books.
I've become so weary of the 'news' of war, which mostly is just a repeat of what has been happening for 5000 years and more. I get tired of the slick sit coms and new faces that don't bring much that is new other than being young. It seems there is no time to take our eyes off the dark events of the day. But it only by seeking a wider, deeper, more emotionally available place of perspective that we have anything to bring to these very dark, very depersonalized times.
For me these two poets did just that.
Thank you
Thistle
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This show inspired me - THANK YOU.
Your interview and readings with Mathew and Michael have reminded me of how profound everyday life can be. I found this in Billy Collins as well - painting a story from a simple cup of coffee, or a simple work day task. So much of our lives is wrapped up in these little actions and thoughts which I think looses its flavor when wrapped in the monsterous flourishes of the poetry we learned in high school. I will teach my daughters Dickmans first.
I was also touched by the brothers' relationship. It is a thing that can not be rivaled or reproduced. I lost my older brother when he was 25 and although we were not twins I felt a kinship to your guests that I have not felt in a long time.
Thanks for the show. I now have my New Year's resolution.
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Matthew and Micheal seem like very talented young folks. I look forward to reading more of their poetry. Find Waxing in Toronto Threading Richmond Hill
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Sure enough, I'm number zero. I know it's not live, but it's living. Thank you, Matthew, for the driveway moment. Parking lot, actually. Email can wait. I will blame the snow.