I have a poem coming out about the poet Hart Crane
. He is somewhat of an obscure figure to the general public, but was–and still is– considered one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, especially by other poets and critics, despite dying early, and despite the fact that he is so difficult. (Perhaps, beyond the exquisite images, lyric beauty of his lines, and the grand sweep of his vision, his being near impenetrable is one of the reasons critics and poets keep returning–trying to crack that nut, find the sweet meat inside that brings it all together.)
Well, wouldn’t you know it, I was reading an article on the Wunderkind James Franco yesterday, and it turns out he is doing (maybe directing as well?) a movie on Crane. Mr. Franco needs to take a well deserved vacation, I think. I can only hope that the poem (slated for October) comes out before the movie, as I’d hate to be seen as a carpetbagger.