(Ed note: On February 4, 2016, poets and poetry lovers gathered at the New School to celebrate the life and work of James Tate, who died on July 8, 2015. As one would expect, his work continues to be read and appreciated. Just the other day, this message arrived in David Lehman's mailbox. Thank you Mikko Harvey for giving us permission to share it here. We hope it inspires others to read his poetry. — sdl)
Dear Mr. Lehman,
I know this email comes out of the blue, and many months late, but it occurred to me just today that I could write to you and tell you how much the James Tate Tribute back in February meant to me. It was one of the most moving nights of my life. As is often the case when reading his poems, I both laughed and cried. Tate has been my favorite writer for years, and it was wonderful–almost religious–to be in a room with so many other fans of his, to see pictures of him projected against the backdrop, to hear his words. Your introduction to the event was especially memorable, and revealed a true understanding of Tate's poetry and personality. For that I thank you. I will always remember the image you shared of him drawing a crude–yet somehow functional–map using the lines on the palm of his hand.I hope all is well, in life and in writing.Sincerely,Mikko Harvey
Here's Mikko Harvey writing in The Rumpus about James Tate's Dome of the Hidden Pavilion.