OK, I know the blog rules here. No politics. So let me talk about geography and poetry. With New Orleans and Alaska in the news there are a number of poets in my thoughts and prayers. I spoke with Brenda Marie Osbey (the former poet laureate of Louisiana) two days ago. She is the first person I think about, when I think about New Orleans. I always check on her and Mom Osbey. When I reached Brenda Marie on her cellphone, she was on the road heading North to a destination unknown. I’ll check on her again today. I sent emails to poets Kalamu Ya Salaam and Jerry Ward. I remember when Katrina hit three years ago and these guys lost precious books and recordings. I hope they are well.
Whenever I think of Alaska I think of poets John Haines and Peggy Shumaker. Thanks Sarah Palin for putting the state on the map. There are some good writers up there in Fairbanks. Several have already been vetted.
With the summer over, I just looked at the list of books I wanted to read. How many writers are always making lists? This morning I stuck a copy of Language For A New Century in my bag. This is the recent anthology of poetry from the Middle East and Asia that was edited by Tina Chang, Nathalie Handal and Ravi Shankar. I first learned about this project from Nathalie. I knew it was a major undertaking. I don’t think I’ll ever do another poetry anthology unless I have an Obama staff working with me. Poetry anthologies create their own politics. Someone is always upset with a decision you made or didn’t make.
Language For A New Century was the book I wanted to read this summer. I just didn’t get to it. It was at the top of the list. I did however open the book to page 594. There is the poem "Quiet Death in a Red Closet" by Reetika Vazirani. She left us in 2003. The tragedy still walks with its eyes open. There is a door in my heart that will never close.