Hart Crane
The Immolation
by
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FIVE { . . . his much-bemoaned linguistic density might best be seen as congruent with the notion that homosexuals are “beset by signs.” T.E.Y.} A surreptitious regard of groin the slanted vision, a flounce Of gait, of settling down, of gesture. Such missives return, Unopened but address the very core of those imbibing, such That seek. So subtle the fluttering gaze past iris, pupil, lash, To rest aside. The gaze itself protracted some small flick, An instant. Tremolo of a wrist, the manner that it twists or Hovers—the faintest stab and still one can’t recover, from Token ill-received or rapt potential. While nothing there’s Essential; but broadcast, intoned, the faintest shudder of a Moan? Unguarded moment on the telephone, some TAPS We’d think of merely wireless—recipient locks in, awakes To ripple ripely sin a fornication. A touch is orchestration!
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About the Book
“Hart Crane: The Immolation” is the companion to “Rothko,” Swartz’s 14th book, the title poem of which is in nearly all respects a mirror image of the 33 section dramatic monologue of this last and current “Hart Crane,” the title poem and poet’s 15th volume.
The action is simply the final hours of Crane’s life.
Based on exhaustive research which centers on the 3 seminal QUOTED texts, “Hart Crane” investigates the Guggenheim abortive journey to Mexico, the pathos-ridden attempt at a heterosexual escape from the very source of his own greatness, the spasms and misdeeds, the thrashings, psychic and physical, which precipitate a final leap into the sea from a steamship bound for New York City in 1932.
Crane flails jaggedly toward immolation. His work, as difficult to follow as his suicide, will certainly outlive him. This final poem, attempting to reconstruct the futility and transcendence of life AND work, may speak to both. It is a valiant attempt to do so.
The balance of this volume is given to a verse drama, “Saul,” from 1987.
About the Author
The poet is nearing 70 and a conclusion to his own literary output. A largely representative sampling of the latter can be found on his nearly exhaustive web-site, Biblicalfictions.com. Like Crane himself, he has attempted a link with Whitman. History will likely sanction the endeavor.