Hot Metal Bridge · The Lady of the Reef

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Dana Ward is the author of This Can’t Be Life, The Crisis of Infinite Worlds, Some Other Deaths of Bas Jan Ader, and a number of chapbooks. He lives in Cincinnati, where he hosts the Cy Press @ Thunder Sky Inc reading series and co-edits Perfect Lovers Press. He read with fellow poet Anne Boyer at the Pittsburgh Contemporary Writers Series in April.

Friendship and Poem Making

Friendship is a major theme in all of Dana Ward's work, with the concept of community playing a significant role in his poetry. Ward believes that anyone can be a poet regardless of their surroundings, but emphasizes the importance of engaging with others in the creative process. For him, writing and thinking are intertwined with the collaborative efforts of his friends, who offer support, encouragement, and a safe space for expression.

The Significance of Chapbooks

Although Dana Ward doesn't view chapbooks as a distinct genre, he finds them personally captivating. He describes his love for little books that feel intimate yet possess a cosmic quality. Ward's works have often been published as limited run chapbooks before being included in full-length books. The chapbook form allowed him to experiment, generate new ideas, and later collect them into larger bodies of work.

The Transition from Social Work to Teaching

Dana Ward's creative practice has been influenced by significant life transitions, such as becoming a parent and transitioning from social work to teaching. These experiences have led to a profound reflection on time, new emotional depths, and the delicate balance of caring for another human being. Ward now teaches at the M.F.A. school at Bard and enjoys the opportunity to engage in artistic conversations with his students, similar to the conversations he had with his artist friends.

Poetic Heroes and Current Reading

Brewster Magazine Summer 2023 by Brewster Academy - Issuu

Dana Ward finds inspiration in a wide range of poets and writers. Alice Notley, Jack Spicer, Joe Brainard, Lyn Hejinian, Ted Berrigan, and Hart Crane have all influenced his work. Additionally, he draws inspiration from his contemporaries, such as Karen Weiser, Cider Sigo, Thom Donovan, and Anne Boyer. Ward admits that it's challenging for him to discuss all his poetic heroes due to the overwhelming number of influential writers. Currently, Ward is immersed in the book "Yeah Yeah Yeah" by Bob Stanley, which explores the history of popular music in the U.K.

The Relationship Between Pop Music and Poetry

Despite being known for his unconcerned approach to being "pop" in his poetry, Dana Ward has a deep appreciation for pop music and easy listening. He recognizes the connection between his love for certain songs and the process of making his work. These songs, often heard in his youth, continue to influence his writing and inspire his ongoing exploration of formativity and its impact on individual experiences.

Hotels, with their diverse rooms and shared spaces, can be seen as metaphorical representations of the relationships and collaborations that Dana Ward values in his poetic practice. Just as hotels bring people together from various backgrounds and provide a space for connection, Ward's work highlights the importance of friendship, community, and the creative process in shaping one's journey as a poet.