Full Description
Based on sources as diverse as Heian period female Japanese writers and the world of science fiction, and drawing on her own experience as a second-generation Japanese American, acclaimed poet Lee Ann Roripaugh's fourth collection explores a series of "word betrayals"--English words misunderstood in transmission from her Japanese mother that came to take on symbolic ramifications in her early years. Co-opting and repurposing the language of knowledge and of misunderstanding, and dialoguing in original ways with notions of diaspora and hybrid identities, these poems demonstrate the many ways we attempt to be understood, culminating in an experience of aural awe. At once wonderfully lyrical and strikingly acute, Dandarians will further establish Lee Ann Roripaugh as one of the most important and original voices in contemporary Asian American literature.
Contents
CONTENTS Part I The Planet of Dandar Hiroshima, Mon Amour Chasing the Dragon Imprint Griots' Signposts Trompe l'Oeil: The Annotated Version Part II Senchimental Butch/Femme in the Streets/Sheets Unswallowing Of Course I'm Nobody ... But Who Are You? Antimacassar Skywriting Daylight Savings Time: An Interrogatory Part III Animoaney Spillover Bruised Interrogation Annealing 1. Like a Blown Fuse 2. Crackpot 3. Handle With Care 4. Raku Thirteen Ways of Looking at the Vermillion River Sleepless Graffiti Part IV Dee Aster Hola, Hola Talk Television: Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Ten Nights' Dreams 1. Georgia O'Keefe 2. Gem City: A Migraine Dream 3. Rehab 4. Open It 5. Biohazard 6. Garmonbozia 7. B. Head 8. Book 'Em, Danno 9. "You're Going to Make Me Lonesome When You Go" 10. Extinguish Part V Femanint Underworlded 'Round About Midnight Concatenations: A Reprise Inquiline Fibonacci Irezumi (or, Tattoo You) The Violin Thief
