Back at the Upper Crust

What a fabulous Monday evening, hosting 4 scheduled strong reader-poets and then 7 more talented folks in the open-stage portion! Great to see everybody again. Fun to introduce everybody and respond to each one in brief follow-ups. This and all the timing and note-taking took me back to my teaching (1972-2002) and workshop (1980-2010) days.
Was re-reading some Robert Frost yesterday who opined that, for him, poetry was three things: sense arising, first and foremost, from sound, dramatic performances/actorly readings, and at least one other meaning that arises from the text. On the latter, specifically, he said, “Poetry is the art of saying one thing and meaning one thing more–at least one.”
All three criteria were very much in evidence last evening every which way. I continue to be honored to be a key contributor in this Elsewhere Community (Hugh Kenner’s term). Later in 2018, I hope to be presenting my workshop, “Writing Emily”, which is about how Dickinson can influence today’s poets.
Things continue to roll along well. I expect my new all-poetry website to be up this winter and the U of A will be receiving my latest collection for consideration before Halloween. Trick or treat? Now if only Kim doesn’t cause WWIII….