Theophylline: Poems

Theophylline is a poem that explores the future of poetry through a queer and female heritage, inspired by asthma. It engages with the poetry of three American modernists by translating their work into English, focusing on women who have made and been formed by migrations and who are marked by society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2023
Publisher: House of Anansi Press Ltd ,Canada

Theophylline is a poetic exploration inspired by asthma, seeking to forge a future for poetry within a queer and female heritage. Moure ventures beyond borders to engage with the poetry of three American modernists: Muriel Rukeyser, Elizabeth Bishop, and Angelina Weld Grimké, akin to a translator entering the realm of translation. However, what if this work is already in English? Moure delves into the lives of women who have experienced migrations and been marked by societal questioning, examining the intricacies and shapes of their journeys.

The poem navigates the complexities of identity and belonging, exploring the intersections of gender, sexuality, and culture. Through the lens of migration, Theophylline sheds light on the experiences of displacement, isolation, and the search for a sense of home. The poet employs a rich and evocative language, employing metaphor, symbolism, and sensory imagery to convey the emotional weight of these experiences.

One of the central themes of the poem is the idea of translation and its role in shaping artistic expression. Moure questions the boundaries between languages and cultures, exploring how poetry can transcend linguistic barriers and resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds. The poet employs a translation strategy that seeks to preserve the essence of the original text while also infusing it with a fresh perspective and a queer feminist lens.

Through their exploration of migration and its impact on identity, Theophylline offers a powerful commentary on the complexities of contemporary society. The poem challenges traditional notions of femininity, masculinity, and nationality, advocating for a more inclusive and diverse understanding of the human experience. It encourages readers to embrace their uniqueness and to celebrate the diversity of the world around them.

In conclusion, Theophylline is a remarkable work of poetry that blends the personal and the political, exploring the complexities of identity and belonging through the lens of migration. Moure's poetic language and translation strategy create a rich and immersive experience that invites readers to reflect on the human condition and the power of artistic expression to shape our understanding of the world.

Weight: 252g
Dimension: 228 x 154 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487011604