Exploring Poemetrics: Insights from Kayzakian, Marquez, and Sepahbodi
By Nouf Hunaiti
I was introduced to the world of where math and poems relate; Poemeterics, by attending the event of Chaffey College's ‘Poemetrics: How Math and Poetry Intersect’. The event was led by Poet and Professor of English Arthur Kayzakian, Poet and Statistician Beth Marquez, and Poet Cyrus Sepahbodi, with Wynter Muro as the moderator.
Arthur Kayzakian, recipient of the 2021 Black Lawrence Immigrant writing series prize, began this discussion. "Synonyms with Maps," a poem by Arthur Kayzakian, is a sorrowful poem that contrasts between happy times and the terrible reality of life and death. Kayzakian explores the nuances of the human experience, taking his inspiration from Howard Zinn's, where he talks about historians and cartographers working together and how dangerous that is.
Using vivid imagery and expressive words, he mentions political issues and the harm they can do to people and land. The poem's title implies a search for connections, yet the poem makes clear the terrible results of the divide.
Kayzakian talks about fences and victory and the juxtaposition between laughing and dying, this conveys the paradoxes that exist in our society. The poem becomes a representation of the fragility of the world and the ways in which oppression shapes the reality of many.
Beth Marquez; has current and upcoming publications in cathexis, October Hill magazine. In one of the poems she shared, strength control and the complexity of human emotion are explored.
Clenching a fist as a metaphor is used in the poem to represent obstacles people face. She talks about the risk that comes with being aggressive and vulnerable while also reminding us that purpose is key to strength. Ultimately, Marquez's poem is about the importance of self-awareness and the need to focus on purposeful things.
Poetry readings have been hosted by Cyrus Sepahbodi for many years, and his poetry has been published in numerous publications. The poem by Sephbodi addresses the struggles of fear.
He talked about grief and resiliency with thoughtful language and vivid imagery. He began with a metaphor of striking a match, comparing the brightness of flame against the persistence of darkness. Sephbodi explores the inner struggles of facing one's weaknesses and worries, and the tendency to trick oneself with lies.
Sephbodi talked about the cost of emotional suffering. Every sentence serves as a reminder of the effects of individual and societal trauma. He ends the poem stating that healing starts with recognizing wounds that are hidden beneath the surface.
It was really enriching to be on a panel talking about poemetrics with poets like Cyrus Sephbodi, Beth Marquez, and Arthur Kayzakian. It was inspiring to hear people's love of poetry and their different takes on art. I was introduced to the depth of the poems as I listened to them discuss their work. Each poet contributed something unique to the conversation.