Recyclopedia by Harryette Mullen is a collection of three previously released books: Trimmings, S*Perm**K*T, and Muse & Drudge. From the introduction of the book, I learned that the first two collections are in response to Gertrude Stein's prose poems. I've never read anything by Stein, so I'm missing out on important details that might provide a code to cracking Mullen's work.
Note to self--> Read "Objects and "Food" by Gertrude Stein.
Mullen notes that she had difficulty understanding Stein's work, so I shouldn't be embarrassed to admit that I am having the same trouble comprehending Mullen's. It isn't for lack of trying though. Despite not knowing the secret doorway into her collection, I still found her prose poems intriguing and enjoyed reading several of them aloud.
Check out this example on page 11:
A light white disgraceful sugar looks pink, wears an air, pale compared to shadow standing by. To plump recliner, naked truth lies. Behind her shadow wears her color, arms full of flowers. A rosy charm is pink. And she is ink. The mistress wears no petticoat or leaves. The other in shadow, a large, pink dress.
I haven't the slightest idea what the poem means, but the color, rhythm, rhyme, and word choice is appealing. When I run across great poems like this one, I attempt to imitate them in hopes that it will make my poetry technique better. I cannot imitate Mullen, but I would like to discuss her work with anyone who has read this collection. Have you?
