Language Poetry?
Beginning in the 1960s-70s, Language poetry was created as a new avant-garde type of poetic expression that was more interactive with the reader than ever before. it started with the goal to make the poetry expansive enough that everyone could have some type of reaction after reading and every reaction would differ. A magazine in New York called L=A=N=G=U=A=G=E gave the name to the movement.
Charles Bernstein
Charles Bernstein, along with Ron Silliman is one of the main poets in the Language Movement. Known for his short and to the point, but at the same time whimsical writing, he, along with his other colleagues revolutionized poetry and the way readers interact with works. He was one of the creators of the magazine L=A=N=G=U=A=G=E , which introduced Language poetry into the mainstream. He has gone on to become a famous composer, publisher and director.
Don't Be So Sure (Don't Be Saussure)
My cup is my cap
& my cap is my cup
When the coffee is hot
It ruins my hat
We clap and we slap
Have sup with our pap
But won't someone please
Get me a drink.
& my cap is my cup
When the coffee is hot
It ruins my hat
We clap and we slap
Have sup with our pap
But won't someone please
Get me a drink.
Analysis + Literary Devices
This poem is short and very unrelated as is a quality of much Language poetry. The disconnectedness of the work helps the reader better connect and the use of Paradox or "A seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true." for example: "When the coffee is hot, It ruins my hat" this is paradoxical because at first, it makes no sense. How does a drink ruin headwear? Upon closer inspection of the reader, or them taking their own interpretation, it can be hypothesized that the speaker is referring to the coffee waking them up and their cap is actually their mind, which is ruined after being disturbed by the coffee.