Ariel Goldberg and Simone White: April 13, 2017

Steve Dickison introduces Ariel Goldberg, who reads "Rough Proof," a recent work in response to the photography of Berenice Abbott. They then read excerpts from essays in The Estrangement Principle (Nightboat Books, 2016): "Simplicity Craving" and "To Act the Instinct." They conclude by reading another piece inspired by Berenice Abbott's work, titled "House of Photography."

Steve Dickison introduces Simone White. White reads from a manuscript tentatively titled Dear Angel of Death, forthcoming from Ugly Duckling Presse: "4:18 a.m., left boob...," "A manner of a poem can be found...," "Of the long poem I have said...," "The primary position taken by me...," "On whose part comes such failure...," "First, secure the milk...," "If we have failed to prosper...," "Excellent French of the seminar...," "You milk the baby, it is effortless...," "You could get pink eye, you think...," "Spring Poem," "I write in secret to extend...," "Nicole Eisenman, I need you to make a picture...," and "Messenger."

Ariel Goldberg and Simone White take questions from the audience. They discuss what happens at the Poetry Project during the week, including how they organize readings and workshops to keep it low-cost and artist-run. Goldberg explains that in order to diversify the Poetry Project, they provide writing resources and look for people to participate who are outside the academic world, yet are practitioners of the art. They discuss testing new poetry by reading aloud and to other people. Goldberg talks about their feelings on labeling queer art and writing and White discusses how music has played a role in her poetry. Both speak about consciously cultivating a community of writers.