Will I learn from their afflictions? Have I learned from my mistakes?

[sovay]

My poem "An Obedience Experiment" is now online at Rattle as this week's Poets Respond. There are notes included.

I am honored that the poem is being published in this fashion; I wish there had been no occasion to write it.

In 1961, Stanley Milgram found that 65% of his subjects complied all the way to the final supposed 450 volts. The percentages on a re-run in 2006 were nearly identical. Either we change the numbers or that 35% is going to burn out fast. I prefer Option A.

Comments

[rinue]

Very nice! Obviously, I read the poem earlier in the week, somewhat in progress, but it's wonderful to see it again in this context, with explanatory notes. I had no idea about the Milgram-pomegranate connection (even though melograno, the Italian, is very close to milgram/milgroym). And congratulations - I love Poets Respond.

[sovay]

Very nice! Obviously, I read the poem earlier in the week, somewhat in progress, but it's wonderful to see it again in this context, with explanatory notes.

Thank you!

had no idea about the Milgram-pomegranate connection (even though melograno, the Italian, is very close to milgram/milgroym).

Oh, that's cool—I didn't know the Italian, although it makes sense once I can see it. They must both have come out of Latin, which is not usually something I get to say about Yiddish vocabulary.

And congratulations - I love Poets Respond.

I am really, really pleased with this acceptance and publication. I wasn't expecting it.