The Mirror Diary

In The Mirror Diary, Garrett Hongo explores his cultural heritage and poetic influences, reflecting on identity amid diverse literary traditions and contemporary issues.

A volume in the Poets on Poetry series, this work compiles critical writings by contemporary poets, featuring a collection of articles, interviews, and book reviews that articulate the poetics of a new generation. The Mirror Diary stands out as it tracks the emergence of a unique poetic voice alongside a learned consciousness, influenced by various literary traditions and regional, ethnic histories.

Beginning with a literary exploration of the history of Japanese Americans in Hawai`i and California, Garrett Hongo draws from his personal narrative to delve into the mosaic of American identities—both personal and cultural—within the framework of a postmodern diaspora. His essays reflect the extensive cultural inheritance and literary influences that shape his work, encompassing poets from China’s T’ang Dynasty to American luminaries like Walt Whitman and Charles Olson.

In The Mirror Diary, Hongo skillfully connects free-verse prosody to John Coltrane’s jazz, pays tribute to contemporaries such as David Mura and Edward Hirsch, and acknowledges the mentorship of figures like Bert Meyers and Charles Wright. He also tackles contemporary issues in Asian American literature, the politics surrounding race, and the legacy of Japanese American internment during World War II, while celebrating the beauty of the Hawaiian landscape. This work embodies a poet deeply engaged with the complexities of modern politics and poetics, dedicated to honoring diverse traditions.