Last month, Rowan Ricardo Phillips, a Distinguished Professor at Stony Brook University, was acknowledged for his latest poetry collection, "Silver." The work was included in the longlist for both the National Book Award and the Laurel Prize. On November 14, Phillips participated in a poetry reading event organized by the Department of English and the Humanities Institute. During this event, he read poems from "Silver" and his previous works and engaged in a discussion about his life and creative process.
Carl Lejuez, Stony Brook's Executive Vice President and Provost, delivered opening remarks praising Phillips' ability to inspire self-reflection through his poetry. "I’m not the provost today; I’m a fan," said Lejuez. He added that reading Phillips' work makes him reflect on personal shortcomings and potential. Lejuez emphasized Phillips' skill in blending various perspectives and mediums.
Phillips addressed an audience at the Poetry Center with readings from his earlier books—"The Ground," "Heaven," and "Living Weapon"—offering insights into his poetic methods. “I typically don’t say anything about my poems,” stated Phillips. He explained that during this event, he aimed to reveal some of the processes behind his poems.
He shared selections from "Silver," including pieces like “Atahualpa Yupanqui,” “Key West,” and “Fantasia In a Time of Plague.” The theme of music frequently appeared during his lecture. "'Atahualpa Yupanqui' is the name of a tremendous Argentine folk singer and guitarist," noted Phillips.
Phillips also discussed how "Key West" was inspired by an encounter with poet Billy Collins at Stony Brook Southampton's MFA program.
An attendee questioned how Phillips maintains emotional honesty while writing, knowing others will see it. “When you’re writing, you can’t think about other people,” replied Phillips. He emphasized focusing on syllables rather than words or sentences when writing.
Another attendee asked how he knows when a poem is complete or if it ever goes too far. "There’s an age-old saying that no poems are ever finished; they’re just abandoned," responded Phillips.
Offering advice to aspiring poets, Phillips highlighted the importance of reading: “I have yet to meet a great writer who’s not a voracious reader."
In response to what he gains from teaching, Phillips said: “I get everything from it; I love teaching.” He noted that teaching enriches him even though it may reduce his writing time.
— Robert Emproto