SESOS EXTREMOS

If there's one thing I've learned from reading John M. Bennett's poetry for 20+ years, it's that things can change in an instant. At first you think some of the pieces you've been reading are hardcore concrete poetry, poetry of the physicality of words, of expression, the mechanicality or instrumentality of thought. But then you happen to watch a performance by John and you've got the book in your hand, and suddenly you realize that a certain percentage of the poems, or even of any given poem, might suddenly become a very succinct notation for an agile, well oiled vocal performance where some strange fog is playing the 'john-horn' or its fog suit avatar. There are collaborations, works inspired by travel and friendships, poems in Spanish and French, and engagement with the entireties of many avant-garde traditions and anti-traditions. John M. Bennett is a national treasure. -Lanny Quarles