Eileen Myles, a prominent poet and author, is currently in a New York City cab en route to their East Village apartment, a space they have inhabited for nearly five decades. This apartment serves as the backdrop for Myles' latest release, *Bird Watching*, published this spring by Fonograf Editions, a Portland small press. The work, which had remained unpublished for almost 50 years, is described by Myles as a conversation with an earlier version of themselves, capturing their experiences as a 28-year-old during the summer of 1978.
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*Bird Watching* unfolds Myles' observations of life in 1970s New York, detailing personal manifestos, romantic entanglements, and everyday happenings, including interactions with nature outside their window. This collection includes Myles' first three poetry volumes—*The Irony of the Leash* (1978), *A Fresh Young Voice from the Plains* (1981), and *Sappho’s Boat* (1982)—marking a second collaboration between Myles and Fonograf, following a vinyl LP of Myles reading *Aloha/irish trees*, which was Fonograf's first release.
In discussing their work, Myles emphasizes the value of authenticity in performance. They reflect on the early days of performing at open mics in New York City, where they aimed to sound like their true self rather than conforming to traditional poetic standards. Myles has evolved in their approach to reading, making space for pauses and playful engagement with the text.
Myles also shares insights on the importance of being genuine, citing influences such as the film *King of Marvin Gardens*, which encapsulated the intimacy and danger of candid expression. The decision to finally publish *Bird Watching* felt timely, as Myles reconnects with their past through its pages.
Commenting on their playful use of pronouns within the text, Myles notes a desire for chaos and humor, akin to the spontaneity of birdsong. They express enthusiasm for the resonance their early work has with younger audiences, seeing their poems as vintage finds that captivate a new generation.
On October 24, Myles will be at Atrium Movement & Events in Portland for Fonograf's 10th Anniversary Fundraiser, joining other poets and performers for two evenings of readings and music.