Poet Julien Poirier's new collection, Out of Print, published by City Lights, reflects on the transient nature of existence through his art. His poem, “Stage 4 Lung Cancer Won’t Wait,” captures this essence, as Poirier writes about the challenges of urban living alongside a deep exploration of mortality. The imagery he employs—such as in “Investigation,” where he muses on life’s fragility—demonstrates a striking honesty and a willingness to engage with serious themes without pretension.
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During a recent interview at a coffee shop on the Lower East Side, Poirier shared insights into his writing process and philosophy. He expressed that while he used to experiment with fragmented works, his recent poems emerged more organically. “It didn’t feel fragmented,” he said, noting the minimal rewriting involved in the poems within this collection.
Poirier acknowledged an influence from Walt Whitman in his approach, particularly in how he addresses themes of mortality and absurdity. Death, he remarked, serves as both a comedic subject and a source of anxiety that he transforms into a compelling narrative. “It’s the driving force behind [comedy],” he explained, reflecting on how grappling with mortality enriches his writing.
In his poem “Heavy Losses, Boss,” Poirier captures historical influences, referencing San Francisco's past prosperity and subsequent hardships, drawing parallels to the city's current landscape. He explained, “That’s its skeleton. Boomtown. It’s a boomtown all over again.”
When asked about the collection’s title, Out of Print, Poirier mentioned his focus on the future and the nature of literary obscurity, noting the unpredictability surrounding which poets gain recognition.
Poirier also shared his experiences of performing, mentioning a recent reading where he engaged the audience with songs he would record during drives. He described the act of singing as a way to bridge distance and create a communal atmosphere.
Throughout the interview, Poirier reflected on his evolution as a poet and teacher. He noted how teaching poetry had influenced his work, making his writing more extroverted—a shift from his earlier, more introspective style. He also critiqued tendencies in contemporary poetry that, in his view, strip it of joy and humor.
Julien Poirier’s Out of Print is available from Amazon and other online retailers.