From metaphysical poems to storytelling through poetry with Eugenijus Ališanka | My life with poetry

Summary

The speaker recounts their journey from studying mathematics to writing poetry, influenced by Eastern religions and philosophy. Initially writing abstract, metaphysical poems, they later transitioned to sharing personal stories in their fourth book, 'From Unwritten Stories.' They were inspired by authors like Rilke, Maritain, and Stot, and later translated Polish poets, finding a poetic style close to their own. The speaker emphasizes the importance of starting to write and the profound realization of language's complexity and allure.

Takeaways

• 📚 Started with an interest in mathematics, then shifted to cultural and philosophical pursuits.
• 🌏 Found like-minded friends who shared an interest in Eastern religions and philosophy.
• 📝 Began writing poetry as a way to express these interests.
• 🗞️ First poems were published in newspapers and magazines.
• 📖 Published a book of poetry titled 'Beginnings'.
• 🏛️ Lived in the Soviet Union during a time when politics was distant from personal interests.
• 🧘‍♂️ Was drawn to Buddhism and introspection rather than external realities.
• 🔄 Initially wrote abstract, metaphysical poetry, later shifted to storytelling.
• 📚 Influenced by authors like Rilke, Mari, and Trakl.
• 🇵🇱 Translated Polish poetry, finding it close to his poetic sensibilities.
• 🌟 Realized the complexity and allure of language through the process of writing.

Q & A

What were the initial interests of the speaker and their friends?

The speaker and their friends were initially interested in cultural things, philosophy, and Eastern religions.

How did the speaker's interest in writing develop?

The speaker's interest in writing developed from their increased communication with friends and their shared interests, which eventually led to publishing poems in newspapers and magazines.

What was the political climate like during the speaker's early years?

The speaker's early years were spent in the Soviet Union, where politics and pragmatic matters were somewhat foreign to them and their friends.

Why did the speaker choose to study mathematics?

The speaker chose to study mathematics because it was unconnected to politics and other pragmatic matters, allowing them to distance themselves from the reality of the time.

What was the nature of the speaker's early poetry?

The speaker's early poetry was abstract and metaphysical, with no concrete things, as they tried to evade any concrete science of life.

How did the speaker's writing style evolve over time?

The speaker's writing style evolved from writing abstract, metaphysical poems to telling stories about their personal life, which were not included in historical works.

What was significant about the speaker's fourth book?

The speaker's fourth book, called 'From Unwritten Stories,' was a milestone as it marked a shift to a different kind of writing, focusing on personal stories.

Who were some of the authors that influenced the speaker's early writing?

Rilke, Mandelstam, and Trakl were important authors for the speaker in the beginning.

What languages did the speaker translate poetry from?

The speaker translated poetry mostly from Polish, finding it close to their understanding of writing poetry.

Which Polish poets did the speaker translate?

The speaker translated works of Polish poets such as Zbigniew Herbert and Adam Zagajewski.

What realizations did the speaker come to about language through their writing?

The speaker realized that language is mysterious, complicated, and attractive, and that one truly gets to know it when they start working with it.