Podcast Summary: The Stacks — Ep. 365 "The Poets that Make Me Understand Myself with Tiana Clark"

Introduction

In Episode 365 of The Stacks, host Tracy Thomas welcomes poet and essayist Tiana Clark to discuss her latest poetry collection, Scorched Earth. The conversation delves deep into the intricacies of personal poetry, the influence of form and structure, teaching philosophies, and the profound connections poetry fosters between writers and readers.

1. Tiana Clark’s Journey into Poetry

Tiana Clark shares her early experiences and how a pivotal high school poetry teacher, Mr. Bill Brown, ignited her passion for poetry. Born in Los Angeles in 1984 and later moving to Nashville, Tennessee, Tiana recounts the challenges of navigating her identity in diverse environments. Her teacher’s belief in her talent transformed her rebellious teenage years into a dedicated poetic pursuit.

[05:04] Tiana Clark: "He utterly changed my life. I was a little bit of a rebellious teenager... he was just the first teacher that took the time, space, and permission to invest in me, to believe in me."

2. The Concept of “Heart Lines”

Tiana introduces the idea of “heart lines” in poetry, inspired by Kim Adenisio and Dorian Lux. These are the lines within a poem that resonate deeply with readers, akin to Roland Barthes’ concept of the "punctum" in photography—a detail that pierces or bruises the viewer.

[01:04] Tiana Clark: "One of my first things I do in class is I always talk about heart lines... why did that line resonate with you?"

3. The Lyric Eye: A Poetic Perspective

The discussion transitions to the "lyric eye," Tiana’s term for the poetic perspective that blends real and imagined experiences. She emphasizes that the persona in her poems is a fictional yet authentic version of herself, allowing for creative expression without complete autobiographical constraint.

[18:16] Tracy Thomas: "I think that's so beautiful... it's not Tiana. It's like fictional but real. It's like autofiction Tiana."

4. Poetry and Audience Engagement

Tiana explores the dynamic between poet and audience, comparing it to breaking the fourth wall in theater. She believes effective poetry acknowledges the reader’s presence, transforming passive consumption into an active, engaging experience.

[31:08] Tiana Clark: "You are now part of the play. You are now part of it. You now have to be confronted with what's happening."

5. Favorite Poets and Resonant Works

Tiana discusses her admiration for poets like Terrance Hayes, Ross Gay, Ada Limone, and June Jordan. She highlights how their work aligns with her desire for connection and authenticity in poetry, valuing clarity and emotional depth over perceived obscurity.

[20:57] Tiana Clark: "I love discussing why certain lines resonate... Terence Hayes... poetry as a means of survival."

6. Embracing and Breaking Forms

Tiana reflects on her initial apprehension towards traditional poetic forms during graduate school and how embracing and deconstructing these forms has enriched her writing. Her approach involves both adhering to and innovating upon established structures to create a unique poetic voice.

[34:46] Tiana Clark: "I was really interested in breaking all the poetry rules that I know. So you're seeing a lot of this play, a lot of this dexterity..."

7. Teaching Philosophy Influenced by Mentorship

Influenced by her late teacher’s patience and understanding—stemming from his own experiences with dyslexia—Tiana emphasizes the importance of curiosity and grace in teaching. She advocates for nurturing students’ individual voices without frustration, especially in the post-pandemic educational landscape.

[09:04] Tiana Clark: "I have that pause now of, like, not frustration, but of, like, curiosity."

8. Ask the Stacks: Book Recommendations

In the "Ask the Stacks" segment, Tiana recommends several non-fiction titles for listeners seeking gripping reads similar to Charlie Hustle:

• "All the President’s Men" by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward: An exploration of the Watergate scandal.
• "Careless People" by Sarah Wynn Williams: A Facebook exposé detailing internal company dynamics.
• "A Better Ending" by James Whitfield Thompson: An investigative memoir delving into personal and familial mysteries.

Additionally, Tiana suggests The Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado for its innovative structure and emotional depth.

[43:43] Tiana Clark: "Carmen Maria Machado's The Dream House... investigating the end, the beginning, middle, and end of this relationship..."

9. Personal Reading Habits and Favorite Books

Tiana describes herself as a "magpie," constantly flitting between various projects and genres. Her favorite books include:

• "Sula" and "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison: She connects deeply with the themes of family relationships and identity.
• "The Secret Lives of Church Ladies" by Deesha Philyaw: A short story collection that beautifully encapsulates the complexities of black life beyond pain and suffering.

Conversely, she expresses difficulty with lengthy works like Moby Dick and Infinite, aligning with her preference for immersive but manageable reads.

[45:05] Tiana Clark: "I love Sula by Toni Morrison... one book I hate is Moby Dick."

10. Favorite Bookstores and Emotional Connections

Tiana highlights Books Are Magic in Brooklyn and Possible Futures in New Haven, Connecticut, as her favorite bookstores. She appreciates environments that feel inviting and vibrant, fostering a sense of community and joy.

[59:55] Tiana Clark: "Possible Futures in New Haven... feels like you're inside someone's really cool house and they've invited you into the living room."

11. Final Thoughts and Upcoming Book Club

Tracy Thomas wraps up the episode by reiterating the April book club pick, Blessing the Boats New and Selected Poems 1988-2000 by Lucille Clifton, inviting listeners to join the discussion on April 30th. Tiana encourages listeners to explore her collection, Scorched Earth, available in both print and audiobook formats.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Tiana Clark on Heart Lines:

  "[01:04] Tiana Clark: One of my first things I do in class is I always talk about heart lines..."

• Tiana on Her Teacher’s Influence:

  "[05:04] Tiana Clark: He utterly changed my life..."

• Tracy on Poetry and Audience:

  "[31:08] Tiana Clark: You are now part of the play..."

• Tiana on Breaking Poetry Forms:

  "[34:46] Tiana Clark: I was really interested in breaking all the poetry rules that I know..."

Conclusion

Episode 365 of The Stacks offers a profound exploration of personal poetry, the balance between authenticity and audience engagement, and the transformative power of mentorship in creative pursuits. Tiana Clark’s insights provide valuable perspectives for both seasoned poets and those new to the art form, emphasizing the importance of connection, emotion, and breaking conventional boundaries to foster genuine literary expression.