As we rapidly approach the 1/4 mark of the century a number of calls for papers have asked writers to consider the past 25 years in literature in a bid to periodize from autofiction to vis-po. Yet it often seems that the declarative indicators of earlier periods (manifestos, statements on poetics, anthologies, and to some extent criticism itself), are more sparse than ever. Even back in 2009 the Poetry Foundation’s “Manifestos” issue was a callback (and, perhaps, parlor game) dedicated to F.T. Marinetti more than an attempt at ground clearing.

This session, then, asks: does anyone remember poetics? Who will think of the poetics? Are writers more wary of the manifesto because of its potential afterlives (see, for example, the above cited Marinetti)? Are poetics alive and well, living their best lives? What are some good poetics near me? Manifestos, diagnostics, prescriptions, and run-of-the-mill papers are encouraged and welcomed.