February 18, 2006

James Thomas Stevens and Caroline Sinavaiana, Mohawk/Samoa Transmigrations (Subpress 2006). 67 pages. $16.

Subpress is such a brilliant idea. Collective members put in 1% of their income towards the press and then each member edits a book every three years or so. This particular tome was edited by Juliana Spahr.

Working with material from their native traditions, the poets reinterpret (reprocess) core material from the other's culture. Stevens, a Mohawk, translates a Mohawk song, then Sinavaiana (a Samoan) writes a poem in response. Then vice versa. So the Mohawk "Mosquito Song"

The mosquito is bringing a message.
He comes to tell us how poor he is.
In truth, he is repetitive
and brings the same old message (25)

generates lines like these:

Sleeping through the din
of solitude's stinging messenger (27).

On the path around
temple gates
you stumble into
free fall, then lift

into arms of
echo and refrain (29).

This collaboration highlights the many places where traditions can intersect and revitalize each other.