My Poetics

In My Poetics, Maureen N. McLane blends poetry and criticism, exploring how poems shape thought and connect us to our surroundings.

Acclaimed poet and critic Maureen N. McLane presents an innovative exploration of poetry in My Poetics. This work transcends traditional criticism by blending McLane's insights as a poet, theorist, and scholar, creating a conversational style that invites readers into her world of poetic understanding. The essays delve into a rich tapestry of poetic forms, from Romantic-era odes to contemporary haikus, demonstrating how poetry serves as a lens for examining our existence and thought processes.

In My Poetics, McLane raises essential questions about the nature of poetry and its relationship to both thought and the world around us. She investigates how poems can shape our modes of thinking, the role of rhyme in structuring our thoughts, and the ways in which specific poems can activate connections to their environments. This exploration is not just theoretical; it is anchored in McLane’s own poetic practice, offering readers a dynamic interplay between criticism and creativity.

The book is enriched with McLane's original poems and insights from influential thinkers like Hannah Arendt and Roland Barthes. Through its artful arrangement of readings and reflections, My Poetics stands as a testament to the idea that study and criticism are integral to the poet’s craft. It invites readers to engage deeply with poems, revealing the vast possibilities that poetics can encompass.