My recent work on Marvell and ekphrasis explores several ways in which the poet negotiates the transition between text and visual object to advance his personal and political poetics. Here, I consider how we might view ‘The Gallery’ in light of recent ekphrastic debates. … More A Brush with Ekphrasis: Marvell’s ‘The Gallery’
Andrew Marvell’s saddest and most thoughtful poem is all about lines that are determined never to cross. If 2013 was to be defined by anything, it’s how life defies those who try too hard to make them cross. … More Crossing the Line: An Epilogue, 2013
Since we cannot turn back time, we have no choice but to deal with our life-defining moments. They cannot be undone. … More Facing a Challenge
Ekphrasis becomes a common feature of Marvell’s Interregnum writing, but before it served his Cromwellian verse, these perspective features – of viewing and reflection, of the viewer and beyond – combine in a remarkable way in Marvell’s Upon Appleton House. … More Marvell, Glass, and ‘Upon Appleton House’
How Doctor Who brings to light one of Andrew Marvell’s most touching moments – his lines on the passing of Oliver Cromwell’s daughter. … More The Broken Image
Several years ago, a phrase came into my head on a dark day: “life is a jigsaw” – an analogy that had plenty more to offer. … More “Life is a Jigsaw”: Literary Shapes and Private Thoughts
This post embraces loneliness by celebrating togetherness. The conduit is that indefinable, elusive, and enigmatic craft of poetry. … More Poetry and Appearing on KUSP, Santa Cruz
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