Meaning: This quote by John Hawkes, a well-known novelist, provides a fascinating insight into his personal habits and creative process. The image of him carrying a German map-case filled with poems suggests a deep connection between his writing and his physical surroundings. In this quote, Hawkes seems to be suggesting that he carries his poetic inspiration with him at all times, ready to draw on it whenever and wherever he feels the need.

John Hawkes was an American novelist, born in 1925, known for his distinctive, innovative writing style. His works often featured unconventional narrative structures and explored themes of alienation, violence, and the human psyche. Hawkes was associated with the postmodern literary movement and was admired for his ability to create intricate, multi-layered narratives.

The use of the German map-case as a vessel for his poems is particularly evocative. Map-cases are traditionally used to protect and carry maps, which are essential tools for navigation and exploration. By repurposing the map-case to hold his poems, Hawkes may be suggesting that his poetry serves a similar function – as a guide or a map through the complexities of life and the creative process. The choice of a German map-case also adds a layer of historical and cultural significance, hinting at the interplay between personal inspiration and broader global influences.

The act of carrying poems with him wherever he goes speaks to the intimate relationship between the writer and his work. It suggests that for Hawkes, poetry is not something that can be easily set aside or compartmentalized, but rather an integral part of his existence. The poems in the map-case are not just words on a page, but living, breathing entities that accompany him on his journeys, both literal and metaphorical.

Furthermore, the choice of poems as the contents of the map-case is significant. Unlike prose, which is often associated with longer narratives and storytelling, poems are distilled expressions of emotion, thought, and imagery. By choosing to carry poems with him, Hawkes may be emphasizing the importance of concise, concentrated forms of expression in his creative process. The brevity and intensity of poetry may offer him a way to capture and distill moments of inspiration, allowing him to carry them with him in a portable and tangible form.

It is also worth noting the tactile nature of the map-case itself. Unlike a digital device or a standard notebook, the map-case is a physical object, designed to protect its contents from the elements. This choice of container suggests that Hawkes values the tangible, sensory experience of engaging with his poetic inspiration. The act of opening the map-case, feeling the texture of the poems in his hands, and physically carrying them with him may play a crucial role in his creative ritual.

In conclusion, this quote by John Hawkes offers a glimpse into the intimate relationship between a writer and his creative inspiration. The image of the German map-case filled with poems serves as a powerful metaphor for the ways in which artistic expression can become intertwined with one's everyday life. It reveals the profound connection between the physical and the imaginative, the personal and the universal, and the ways in which creativity can permeate every aspect of our existence.