Acknowledgments
My poetic journey in search of singularity would have never begun were it not for the help of many individuals and institutions. I would like to thank Henrieke Stahl, who made this book possible as part of the “Lyric in Transition” project, which I had the pleasure of participating in from October 2019 to July 2020 at her generous invitation. Her energy, enthusiasm, kindness, and constructive remarks, along with the support of the entire team, have been truly invaluable, and the fantastic facilities provided by the Universität Trier proved to be the best environment for my research imaginable. I am indebted to Anna Fees and Katina Baharova for their professional, friendly, and patient help with things concerning logistics, accommodation, bureaucracy, German language, and more. I also remain grateful to Frank Kraushaar, who was the first reader of my manuscript at the early draft stage and offered invaluable comments.
Among other readers of selected chapters or excerpts whose insights, advice, and encouragement I hugely appreciate are Nick Admussen, Li Hao
I thank my copyeditor Jon Wilcox for his meticulous reading of the manuscript and, where my writing fell short due to the limitations of my English, for tactfully reading my mind. His language edits and deep engagement with the content helped to increase the quality and clarity of my argument.
I appreciate the kind assistance of Brill’s editors Masja Horn and Christa Stevens and the support and openness of the Editorial Board of the Textxet series.
Open access publication would not be possible without the generous support from Adam Mickiewicz University, in particular the AMU School of Language and Literature, the Faculty of Modern Languages and Literatures, and the Institute of Oriental Studies. Editing costs were covered by AMU “Initiative of Excellence – Research University” grant. I thank the AMU community for their trust in the value of my work.
Many other people in a less direct and tangible but no less significant way contributed to the successful completion of this book. The sustained love, friendship, and understanding I have received from my dearest ones is and will always be remembered, cherished, and reciprocated.
Credits
I am thankful to the authors and copyright holders who responded to my request: Justyna Bargielska, Che Qianzi
Five poems by Czesław Milosz. Copyright © The Estate of Czesław Milosz, used by permission of The Wylie Agency (UK) Limited.
Nine poems by Wisława Szymborska. Copyright © The Wisława Szymborska Foundation, used by permission of The Wisława Szymborska Foundation.
English translation of “Again I Didn’t Write” by Urszula Kozioł, translated by © Karen Kovacik and Ewa Hryniewicz-Yarbrough, used by permission of The White Pine Press.
Tomasz Różycki, “Scorched Maps” from Colonies, translated by Mira Rosenthal. Copyright © 2013 by Tomasz Różycki. English translation copyright © 2013 by Mira Rosenthal. Reprinted with the permission of The Permissions Company, LLC on behalf of Zephyr Press, zephyrpress.org.
I have made all reasonable efforts to trace and contact all rights holders to any copyrighted material used in this work. In cases where these efforts have not been successful, the publisher welcomes communications from copyright holders.
This book is dedicated to Agnieszka. Rest now, my friend, and know your flame will continue to burn in the hearts and works of many.