- Overview
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A comprehensive meditation on poetry by a veteran poet of 30 years, this book discusses the relationship between poet and poetry, the act of composition, the overabundance and persecution of poetry, and what it means to live and breathe it.
- Book Intro
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In a world where usefulness has become society’s top priority, poets are called to rise up and challenge utilitarianism as a way of life. Kang Sugeul reflects on his experiences in this ode to the art form that sustained him physically and emotionally for three decades.
Kang found inspiration in suffering, despair, and failure—through the hurts, betrayals, and cruelty of life. His role was to welcome pain like an honored guest and steward it with care. From Poetry is an exploration of the poetic medium, a reflection on poets’ responsibilities, and a testament to the hope that poetry offers to the weary and downtrodden.
Poets like Kang have long criticized civilization and capitalism by exposing society’s selfish underpinnings, at the same time extending a warm hand to those living on the margins. Kang, whose poetry anthology I sent a Gumjeongsan was voted by Busan citizens as the book of the city, shares his thoughts in this series of essays about the honesty of poetry.
- About the Author
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Choi Yeongcheol
Kang made his literary debut in 1986 at the Hankook Ilbo Daily Spring Literary Competition. His published poetry anthologies include It’s drying up. It’s scattering, Rolled up, I sent a Gumjeongsan, Poke at, Whistle, Shadow Lake, and Sunbathing Furniture.
Kang has also published a handwritten poetry anthology titled Thistle, a coming-of-age story titled Eojung’s Story, and the essay collection Camelia Red and Sour Tears.
Kang is the recipient of the Baek Seok Literary Award, the Lee Hyeonggi Literary Award, and the Choi Gyerak Literary Award.
