Jee Leong Koh

Jee Leong Koh. In Singapore, where I grew up, my name is Koh Jee Leong. Leong is actually my personal name, but I go by Jee here in the States.

I write poems. On good days I write good poems.

I published my first book of poems, EQUAL TO THE EARTH (Bench Press), this year. I am working on my next book of poems, to be called SEVEN STUDIES FOR A SELF-PORTRAIT. It comprises seven sequences, each a different way of depicting the self. The last sequence is a set of forty-nine ghazals.

I would like to say the poetry of Yeats, Eliot, Auden and Larkin, but I think the truth is closer to sex.

That it is all about sex.

Poetry is total art: language, imagery, music, movement, drama, structure. It is capable of the greatest power and of the utmost gentleness. I don’t know of any weakness.

I participate in an online poetry workshop where I give and receive criticism of my work-in-progress. I also blog about books, art, theater, film, music and travel, to remember my experiences, and to keep my writing sharp. I use Facebook, MySpace and Twitter to promote my book and blog. There are many good online literary journals to which I submit my work. The internet is a tremendous resource and tool for a writer like me. In fact you found me on Facebook, didn’t you?

Don’t keep talking about what you do. Do it.

My book EQUAL TO THE EARTH is published by Bench Press. You can read and hear a poem from the book on the press website (http://www.benchpresspoetry.com). I blog at Song of a Reformed Headhunter (http://jeeleong.blogspot.com).

I just finished reading Gregory Woods’s book of poetry criticism Articulate Flesh. It has wonderful chapters on Hart Crane, W.H. Auden, Allen Ginsberg and Thom Gunn. Today, on the subway, I was re-reading Sherod Santos’ translations of Greek lyrical poetry.

Debussy and Chopin.

I am available to do readings in New York City and nearby. People tell me I am a good reader of my work.