TENSION (2)

Daily reality (eventually extended to history’s) is at odds with linguistic reality. The tension between these two realities determines the ultimate tension of the poem.

Ad Zuiderent, from the preface of 'Vijftien gedichten' (Fifteen Poems) by Jacques Hamelink





Game and reality: I believe the tension between these two elements is required to write poetry. What one experiences, feels, should get another dimension than just autobiographical facts, should become that other reality. What would poetry otherwise be than indulging in navel-gazing?

Roger Nupie




www.alberthagenaars.nl


Also see:
Dutch poetry in Indonesian language, translated by Siti Wahyuningsih and Albert Hagenaars

Critical reviews on modern Dutch poetry