The great watershed of modern poetry is French, more than English

The great watershed of modern poetry is French, more than English

Robert Morgan is an American poet and author known for his deep connection to the natural world and his exploration of Appalachian culture and heritage. While Morgan's work is firmly rooted in American literature, it is undeniable that the great watershed of modern poetry is French, more than English.

French poetry has had a profound influence on the development of modern poetry, with poets like Charles Baudelaire, Arthur Rimbaud, and Paul Verlaine revolutionizing the form and content of poetry in the 19th century. These poets rejected the traditional rules of poetry and embraced a more experimental and subjective approach to writing, paving the way for the modernist movement that would follow.

In contrast, English poetry of the same period was more conservative and bound by traditional forms and themes. While poets like T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound would later break away from these conventions and embrace more avant-garde styles, the influence of French poetry on modern poetry cannot be overstated.

Robert Morgan's work reflects a deep appreciation for nature and the natural world, much like the French symbolist poets who sought to capture the essence of the world through their writing. His poetry is often lyrical and evocative, drawing on the beauty and complexity of the Appalachian landscape to explore themes of memory, loss, and identity.

While Morgan's work is distinctly American in its subject matter and language, it is clear that the influence of French poetry can be seen in his writing. Like the French poets who came before him, Morgan is unafraid to experiment with form and language, pushing the boundaries of traditional poetry to create something new and unique.