Docu-Poetry
I just finished reading this book by John Terpstra: "The Boys, or, Waiting for the Electrician's Daughter" (Gaspereau Press, 2005)
John actually read some of his poetry at one of my exhibitions, a few years ago --- a night of poetry and chamber music, for the exhibition "Altar" at Loop Gallery... it was a great night, and I've kept an open ear to his work since then.
Thinking of him as a poet (undoubtedly oblivious to his other preoccupations) I was captivated by this book. Grounded in fact, in the particularities of family, relationships, and compromised health. It's not poetry as I'd normally think of poetry.
The story follows his wife's family, focusing on her three brothers - Neil, Paul, and Eric - who ALL had muscular dystrophy. The book centres on their last year of life, for they all died in the same year. We see the stretching, coping, and celebrating of this family. John, falling in love with Mary Ann, is also changed by these boys. He finds a place in the family rhythms, in-jokes, care-giving.
Here's what intrigues me, and also where it intersects with my painting practice... He is working in a mode of documentary --- describing, listing, noting times and dates. And yet the listing happens in the form of lyric poetry. Somehow the totally banal and the richly significant are bound together.
I felt such depth behind the words, knowing that they find their source in real lives that he is trying to honour. A great deal goes unsaid. The text has a caution, or a discipline, that is tied to the real discipline of caring for others.
The dignity of these boys comes through loud and clear. Dignity, despite their dependence and their pain. Dignity that many "outsiders" would deny them. Their rich personalities who show that struggle cannot put out the shared laughter.
The book has given me a lot to think about. And feel about. And somehow, paint about.