History and Poetry (Critical Essay‪)‬

History is about research and analysis, it clarifies and classifies, whereas poetry describes the mess that historians try to clear up. In illustrating the difference between history and poetry, the author excavates the 'historical influence' in his own poetry: The lessons and insights acquired from such diverse sources as Fernando Pessoa's "Autopsychography," Rilke's "The Panther," Giorgio de Chirico's metaphysical paintings, Wallace Stevens's "A Clear Day and No Memories," and Swift's "A Satirical Elegy." He surmises that an ahistorical attitude may capture an artist's position in time more effectively than a conscious attempt to be historical. The author discusses the genesis of his new collection, Bastardi Puri, in Beirut, concluding that the city itself, like his poetry, exhibits the protean and elusive nature of history. **********