Q & A American Poetry: Timothy Liu

Are there essential ways in which you consider yourself an American poet?

To be born in the U.S.A. and/or to live out our days on American soil is a kind of fate. As is our various ethnic backgrounds and sexual orientations. Even our obsessions. Did we ever have a choice? Being an American poet reading and writing American poetry is a welcome limitation- the vastness of our physical and linguistic universe is just too terrifying. I am currently looking for a place to rent in Hoboken. To not have to look anywhere else is a great relief. Blinders full on yet searching nonetheless one square mile I hope to call home. That's what's American about American poetry- a place to call home after all is said and done.



Published 1999.