MAVERICK MAGAZINE 2
the voice
of american poetic arts
William Heyen Replies to:
Managing Editor's note: Professor Heyen first responded to Quintero's letter on our guest book; later, Professor Heyen and I corresponded on email.
Editors, Maverick Magazine:
Henry Oso Quintero ought to retract his letter on W. S. Merwin. Just as Maverick is entitled to reject poetry by way of its aesthetic principles, Merwin is entitled--no, obligated--not to publish poetry he doesn't believe in. And to say that Merwin, who has given us so much, is a thief of language--this is silly, and Quintero ought not to speak for his ancestors, or Buddhists, or anyone else in this regard.
William Heyen
Dear Albino Carrillo:
When I read the Quintero letter
about Merwin, I at first just shrugged it off, but then it bothered me so I
let loose an arrow. Let me say that I haven't thought through the question of
whether Yale should have sent money back to contestants. I could see both sides
of this, though I think it cost them just as much energy to administer the contest
whether or not Merwin chose a winner. I do know that Merwin, if he
couldn't find a collection that he could write an essay about--as all these
Yale books have introductions (by Auden & Merrill & Dickey & Hugo
etc. in the past)--had every right & obligation to decline to name a winner
he couldn't support. Quintero seems to see this as something personal, something
suggesting deep-rooted prejudices. He seems to see this as a personal attack
by a poet of the white establishment against all emerging poets & poetries.
To suggest any ulterior motives, hidden agendas in Merwin (of all poets!) is
ridiculous. Is there any other living poet who by way of his work and his spiritual
presence gives us as much hope for our own meaningfulness in this life in poetry
that we hope to lead despite this ecologically dark and descending time as does
Merwin? It's hard to believe that Mr. Quintero has read him!
Brother, he's our father, as Roethke says of Stevens....
William Heyen