Tuesday, June 27, 2006

WHO WANTS SOME TOP NOTCH POETRY?

Get your hot poetry here, folks! I'm in a literary mood and in celebration of Mr Stephen Gyllenhaal's (Pops to us) first ever public reading tomorrow I thought it was time for an intellectual discussion again. Stephen's publisher Cantara made me feel like an extra special person by sending Claptrap: Notes from Hollywood to me in PDF form. I'm half way through it now and I haven't quite yet collaberated my thoughts but it's just kind of...electric.

I wasn't even sure what poem to pick out to post here, (the Jake one would be obvious but it's at the back and I haven't got that far yet). So, I've gone for the one that Jamie Lee Curtis picked out in her introduction. Plus I'm re-reading To Kill A Mockingbird at the moment and it reminds me of that in some ways.

Communion

It's not a big thing
when the BMW pulls over
silver blue and German grace
and the Guatemalan gardener adjusts his hip
along the nearby ridge
with his leaf blower and rake
half noting the pure white man inside
with his acceptable rock music
choking
weeping
hands shivering over eyes
weeping til the cows come home
weeping for whatever nameless loss
he's found
as Guatemala
back and forth with his machine
sweeps the rattling leaves
along a green back of Nichols Canyon
like a priest with incense.

So, get your specs on, sip on your Earl Grey and discuss!

You can buy Claptrap; Notes from Hollywood at: http://www.authorsbookshop.com/gyllenhaalclaptrap

Get more info here:
www.stephengyllenhaal.com

55 comments:

The Real Me said...

Ahh, what a talented man!
Simplistic, emotive, tender..

Lucky girl brit, being sent the pdf that is, I'm so broke right now, but it's on the list of things to get!!

bless.

Miffed67 said...

Man, I just can't wait to get my hands on this book! Gyllendaddy's may be the first poetry I've ever liked!

Nothing Really Matters said...

Can't say i have a love for poetry! Maybe if someone wrote me some i might like it!

DKBB said...

Wow...I gotta buy that book...

Nothing Really Matters said...

94 pages thats a lot of poetry!

Miffed67 said...

LOL, beskydarren! I love it!

nrm, I'll try to think something up for you, but I'm in NO way a writer, as I'm sure you've noticed!

Anna said...

I agree with beskyddaren. I'm not usually a poetry person, but I like the way Gyllendaddy writes.

One of his poems is called "The Man", and it really spoke to me the first time I read it. (Probably because my father had heart surgery recently, and Gyllendaddy's (I guess...?)reactions to his surgery in this poem might have been the same way my father reacted (but wouldn't tell us...).) This poem made me curious of the rest of them, and I'm definitely getting the book. :D

Anonymous said...

Hmmmm. One long sentence, unpunctuated. One moment in time. Decent imagery. He's good at capturing the **appearance** of the moment, as seen from the outside, with the reader looking on, as it were. He stays out of both characters' consciousness. He just shows us what they are doing & how they look. The externals. You have to supply the story, the cause & effect, the characterization. (Unless other poems around this poem in the book add to the narrative.) In the end, the priest with incense ... is the Guatamalan giving the weeping white man absolution? For what? For being so privileged? Or is the Guatamalan really thinking, "Jesus, this guy has everything, and I'm stuck in this cruddy job, so I can send money home to Guatemala every week. That car costs more than I'll make this year. Why the hell is that guy crying?"

Anonymous said...

Wonder if Mr. Gyllenhaal has read any James Wright.

Anonymous said...

For some who may not have seen this Cantarabooks blog, there's a bit of a description about Stephen Gyllenhaal's book of poems and about him that is quite interesting. Jake's Dad is mentioned about half way through.

" Stephen, a Hollywood director who has always, always been better than his material, is finally getting a chance to show what a true artist, when uncompromised, can do. And celebrity-mongers, take note: There's nothing scandalous, nothing sensationalistic here. No stroke material. He simply spills the emotional beans, that's all. Although there are some short sharp political observations, the tenderest poem is about Jake, the most joyful one is about Maggie, the most regretful one is about his wife, Naomi, the most complex one is about his own father. All technically brilliant, all showing complete mastery of poetic idiom. And while it is true they're not an ordinary family, their flaws and strengths are not what you'd expect. There really is a Gyllenhaal charm, a Gyllenhaal mystique. That Stephen has the courage to break through that half-manufactured, half-authentic wall of mystique, at this point in his life, leaves me breathless with love and respect."

http://cantarabooks.blogspot.com/2006/06/gyllenhaal-our-titles-works.html


I'm somewhat new here and I enjoy the Jake Watch blog....I'm more of an observer/lurker on here, but like you a huge Jake fan!

Anonymous said...

Nothing to do with this, but thought you would find it funny...I sure as hell do!

http://www.gambling911.com/Vin-Diesel-Jake-Gylenhaal-Oprah-Winfrey-gay-062506.html

cina said...

I'm not a big fan of poetry, but I find Gyllenpappa's poetry very fascinating and thought-provoking. I could actually consider buying his book, but I have a feeling it would be a bit expensive to ship it all the way over here. But I am thinking about it.

Anna said...

I guess a lot of us are reading "To Kill a Mockingbird" at the moment... I wonder why? ;-) (I love this book, BTW. The characters are so well written, and instantly loveable.)

Anonymous said...

Could that be Jake's back on the cover of the Claptrap??

Anonymous said...

I'm guessing he may have written this this year..

Elena said...

Precious poem, quoting Christopher Michael Matheny, Cantara editor, "There's also a passionately individual worldview evident here. By turns confessional, mischievous, humble, lustful, tender, furious and profound, his poetry compels a connection with his readers".
I suppose you are agreeable, Bpb.
Now I'm officially jealou of US Gyllenhaal fans, since his next reading is at:

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe
Wednesday, June 28 at 7pm
126 Crosby Street near Houston

I'm so far -unfair situation- but so close in heart anyway. I just suscribed to Cantara newsletter and received a nice free book "Discover Buzz" and a courteous greeting from the editorial. The Gyllenhaal team seem really down to earth and worthy of our attention.

Anonymous said...

So yeah, now I'm gonna have to tape these fucking things for a glimpse of the Gyllenhaal. I don't watch any sport whatsoever so Jake better be just as ... nay twice as adorable as he was on MTV movie awards to make it worth my DVR's while.

Anonymous said...

oops! Wrong entry. Sorry. *sheepish grin*

Anonymous said...

Since I've heard about it I'm wondering if Claptrap: Notes from Hollywood will ever be available form me to buy...I live in Poland and so far I can see no possibilities.... Any suggestions?

britpopbaby said...

^Cantara said they were shipping to Europe so I'll look into it for you.

This poem reminds me of TKAMockingbird because of the racial gaps I guess. The world of the Guatemalan gardener is so far away from the man in the BMW but you know who is happier. I like the way the gardener is completely disinterested in why the man is crying and we are as readers too because he's a rich white man in a BMW. Sorry that wasn't worded at all intelligently - I'm on a brain freeze today.

Onto To Kill A Mockingbird - my favourite character is Scout. Don't shoot but I don't like Atticus that much - he's too perfect as a character. I mean who would actually let someone spit in their face and then just go, 'Hey, if it makes him feel better about himself then that's fine by me!'. I guess he has to be the balance to Scout and all the other characters and yeah, I wish he exsisted in real life but I don't connect to him as much as Jem, Scout, Calpurina.

Good work today, book club!

britpopbaby said...

Yeah! What she said!

Anonymous said...

I haven't had the time to read all this yet but I love the reference to To Kill A Mockingbird - the book is indeed fantastic with very well defined characters, but do not forget to also watch the movie by the same name and then read the book again - when you do this you will hear Scout's voice 'speaking to you'.

Can't wait to get my hands on Mr. Gyllenhaal's book!

Anonymous said...

hey, where is wtbgirl lately? i hope our ny readers will be filling us in on the details of poppa's reading...

Anonymous said...

Wtbgirl could have been hospitalized at St. Vincent's for the extreme rush of adrenalin that she experienced after actually sighting Jake.

Or she could have been trampled by very large pairs of stilettos and strangled with a feather boa during the Pride Parade.

Or she might have simply been washed into a storm drain during one of the downpours we've been having.

I hope we hear from her soon.

Nothing Really Matters said...

What are you guys on about??

Nothing Really Matters said...

Okay I read so many things I can’t remember where I read them! I thought that happened when you got old!

Anonymous said...

The man in the expensive car is crying for himself because money does not insulate you from all the troubles that human beings are allotted in this nasty, beautiful world ... like struggling with love & family relationships & your own & others' mortality & etc. The tears represent the common humanity that the motorist shares with the Guatamalan gardener -- and which social position, income level, job or career, fame or obscurity, recent immigrant or native-born does not shield one from.

Anonymous said...

All this analysis of Papa's poetry is stimulating and illuminating and I can't wait to read the book. And I will...but honestly: I'd like a report from the field agents on Papa's reading tonight at the little bookshop! Like, Was JAKEY there? And I'd love some DETAILS.
I mean the creme de la creme of NYC intelligensia and artistes and actor/activist types must have been there.

Anonymous said...

For me I like this poem because it's a short one... clearly written...As I am not skilled at deciphering poetry it's a good poem to start with... I'm not so sure who is observing who tho? ... the jury's still out on it's meaning to me. I do like Jla's analysis. Well said. She could write the foreword to this book and do it proud!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the report, wtbgirl!! Sounds like a wonderful evening! Love that family and Peter!

From all reports Jake is back in L.A. doin reshoots on "Zodiac/Chronicles". Otherwise, I am sure he would have found a way to be there and support his dad. However, I bet he may have come in a back way or something as to not distract from his dad's night. Surprising that you say Jake doesn't look like his dad? Based on all pictures Jake looks totally like his dad and Maggie looks totally like her/Jake's mom.

Would love to hear Stephen's poen about Jake, the "At 25" one.

mrs_dalloway said...

How nice..thank you very much, agent wtbgirl, we were all worrying what evil lady got you!And there you were,taking notes with your eyes.
And what about the Q&A? how were the quetions? were they about his work more or were they interested more in his life/family? it is risky..with all the good stough out in there..

Jess said...

Wow. Thanks for the report wtbgirl!! It must have been amazing being there!! What an experience.

Becky Heineke said...

OH MY GOD! I'm here. *panting* Cannot find server, my ass!!! wtbgirl you are my HERO!!

mrs_dalloway said...

Wtbgirl, you deserve a special Jake & his family Watch Award!
Did he comment on 'At 25'?
Sorry for all these questions..

Becky Heineke said...

Ooh, questions from me, too. How many people were in attendance? And did you ask anything during the Q&A (I imagine I would not be capable of speaking in such company, but that's just me!)??

cina said...

Thanks so much for sharing wtbgirl!! I loved reading about it! And yes - I too think Jake made the right decision not to go. And yep, he's back in LA. Don't ask how I know because I can't tell you. But he is.

Becky Heineke said...

Cina! Are you holding out on us?! You know you can't do that! :)

cina said...

Well, in this case I sort of am. I really can't say how I know because it's a very private matter. At least I can't say it here....

Becky Heineke said...

And you answered my next question which was whether you got a signed copy. Oh, wtbgirl. I'm so jealous and yet happy for you at the same time! :) It sounds like it was amazing experience and you're wonderful to recap it for us!! I can't believe you got to meet Daddy G! That is SO awesome!

Becky Heineke said...

Well, in this case I sort of am. I really can't say how I know because it's a very private matter. At least I can't say it here....

So you ARE holding out on us! Ah ha! :) It's OK if you don't want to tell. (But it's also OK if you want to tell me in private...hee hee...just kidding...not really, but I'm going to stop bothering you now. :)).

mrs_dalloway said...

Oh! Did you try to get his son's phone number?

britpopbaby said...

See, I had to go to work again today and I miss these cool things!!!

zoo said...

wtbgirl I BOW AT THE ALTAR THAT WORSHIPS YOU. Thank you thank you thank you. X

Nothing Really Matters said...

Yea Brit work sucks! I missed all this aswell!

Well done wtbgirl, you did really well!

mrs_dalloway said...

I like the book's cover! The view from behind..it's like being in the spotlight while succesfully hiding from it,analyzing every single thing around..It's like a child in the centre of attention,him actually thinking his aunts are weird,laughing of his dad's faces and feeling the need to be close to his mom..Yeah,I just got this picture and needed to post. Don't mind me.

britpopbaby said...

secret handshake

Yeah, like some cool ass Fresh Prince of Bel Air style shake! I don't want to try though, it must be near impossible to arrange such things over the internet - maybe we should just wink seductively...

Miffed67 said...

wbtgirl, you're a GODDESS! Thanks so much for the Poetry Reading Report and Q & A!!!!

So you ARE holding out on us! Ah ha! :) It's OK if you don't want to tell. (But it's also OK if you want to tell me in private...hee hee...just kidding...not really, but I'm going to stop bothering you now. :)).

SHARE!

Anonymous said...

My fervent thanks to Wtbgirl, as well, for reporting to us about Mr. Gyllenhaal's reading. I'm glad to get a sense of what the man is like, in person. I wonder who's the distributor for his publisher's books? Is it SPD or someplace else? In other words, is it useless to look for it at the St. Mark's Bookshop or someplace like that? I wish the Gotham was still there. They had a great poetry section.

Was poor Mary Gordon quite eclipsed in all the uproar? I just picked up "Spending" over the winter & finally read it, a few weeks ago, as I'm getting slowly through my summer "to be read" stack of books. Wonderfully erotic. If I cast Jake in the part of "B," the male sex object, and me as the female painter, the book works even better. (But Jake's too young to be "B," unfortunately.)

Anonymous said...

BritPopBaby: Can you post "At 25" for those of us unable to get to the book yet? I'm sure it would spawn an interesting discussion.

Thanks!!

Anonymous said...

Yes, I'd really like to see "At 25," though probably BritPopBaby would have to ask for the rights for digital display. But I'm pretty sure that Mr. Gyllenhaal and Cantara would be amenable to that, wouldn't they? Or maybe "Poetry Daily" will pick up a Gyllenhaal poem, if we are lucky, and we can read more there.

Anonymous said...

Nice Anon & BPB: It's up at the IHJ forum, but thank you. I don't want to violate copyright or diminish sales, but... I'm stuck at work and can't get down to Borders. I'm sorry.

I think Stephen is very, very talented and I'm kind of seriously jealous of JG for having such an incredible family.

Anonymous said...

Now probably I'll be pulled apart into pieces for saying this, but the poem that BritPopBaby has posted here is clearer & sharper than "At 25." Because in the one posted here, a scene is played out, and it relies on visuals & imagery. It's relatively simple & it works well. "At 25" is a poem of address, where the speaker is talking to someone, but letting us, the readers, listen in -- & the poet has less control of his material, and I'm not sure that I'm able to follow some of the transitions between the ideas in the poem. The clearest part of the poem is, again, a visual moment: the memory of the child's birth, and then holding him while he squalls with rage. That's Stephen's strength, rather than the harangue. (Though some people do like poetry when it is one long harangue, and there's a long tradition of that.)

britpopbaby said...

Now that Mr Gyllenhaal has sold out I think it's safe to post. I'll probably post it tomorrow and yep, it's long and involved and takes a few readings.

Anonymous said...

^ ^ ^ ^

Thanks so much, BritPopBaby. I'll look for the poem to be posted. And again, thank you for all the time & effort you put into making this blog look so great. It's such a welcome distraction from my working life. It's a nice place to hang out.

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