Poetry Bookclub 4

[JBI]

I vote Anne Carson. Though, as a second I would probably pick Geoffry Hill. Matthews doesn't really excite me, and to be honest, I have read Heaney to death already (including his translations), as well as studied him to an extent formally.

[quasimodo1]

Carson, Heaney and Matthews all have two votes.

[stlukesguild]

I'd probably go with Hill on my own... but all things considered, I'll throw my vote to Carson.

[stlukesguild]

By the way... the economy hasn't bee touching me much this week. I'm on Spring Break and I've just been spending nearly every free moment painting in my studio... indeed, that's where I'm off to in a few minutes.

[JBI]

I'd probably go with Hill on my own... but all things considered, I'll throw my vote to Carson.

Heh, I would have voted Hill if I thought he had a chance, but I figured I would probably be the only one who wanted him.

[quasimodo1]

Changing your votes is still an option.

[Jozanny]

My refrain is the same as it was before I left in late January. If Vine Street doesn't have the collection so I can read it, I don't see how yours truly can participate--given this caveat, however, I will vote for Avison.

I have been through hell and back these last six weeks, and when I saw that quasi pm'd me, even such a small thing as being a regular in these forums is enough to make me bawl and turn florid with emotion, the difference being, I still don't have a power chair, and my landlord has destroyed my writing life, but in the baby step scheme of things, Geek Squad saved my sanity by getting my pc back up just this afternoon. Not much of a greeting on my part to everyone, but okay, yes, I've missed you.

[JBI]

My refrain is the same as it was before I left in late January. If Vine Street doesn't have the collection so I can read it, I don't see how yours truly can participate--given this caveat, however, I will vote for Avison.

I have been through hell and back these last six weeks, and when I saw that quasi pm'd me, even such a small thing as being a regular in these forums is enough to make me bawl and turn florid with emotion, the difference being, I still don't have a power chair, and my landlord has destroyed my writing life, but in the baby step scheme of things, Geek Squad saved my sanity by getting my pc back up just this afternoon. Not much of a greeting on my part to everyone, but okay, yes, I've missed you.

Darn - had I known you would vote Avison . It's a shame too, since she never comes up on these boards, yet was quite the gifted poet, whereas I am certain Carson will surface a few more times yet.

Welcome back. It's been a while, how has everything been treating you?

[Virgil]

My refrain is the same as it was before I left in late January. If Vine Street doesn't have the collection so I can read it, I don't see how yours truly can participate--given this caveat, however, I will vote for Avison.

I have been through hell and back these last six weeks, and when I saw that quasi pm'd me, even such a small thing as being a regular in these forums is enough to make me bawl and turn florid with emotion, the difference being, I still don't have a power chair, and my landlord has destroyed my writing life, but in the baby step scheme of things, Geek Squad saved my sanity by getting my pc back up just this afternoon. Not much of a greeting on my part to everyone, but okay, yes, I've missed you.

Can I change my vote? If Jozy stays I'll take any thing she wishes.

[JBI]

Can I change my vote? If Jozy stays I'll take any thing she wishes.

Yeah, me too.

[quasimodo1]

All voting is still open to changes; somewhere near Sunday I suppose, we ought to focus on the last vote.

[Jozanny]

Aw Virgil. I owe you an apology so please accept that I am sorry. I'll leave it at that. If you don't remember pull your email before Sodahead. Back on topic: I have no particular preference for the nominations--of them all Avison intrigues me, but no big deal either way, except I agree with JBI on Heaney.

[quasimodo1]

These are the preferences as noted from the posts (Poetry Bookclub 4). Please contact me to correct or change your choice. Once the poet is decided, we'll arrive at some consensus on the collection. Seamus Heaney [Dark Muse, Kafka's Crow?] Anne Carson [JBI, stlukesguild] Allen Tate [mortalterror] Margaret Avinson [Jozanny] William Matthews [Virgil, quasimodo1]. Some of you were about to change your vote but in any case, please advise on changes or corrections. Since many former enthusiasts have not replied, let's make Tuesday a loose deadline. If it all comes together by tomorrow, so be it.

[quasimodo1]

http://jacketmagazine.com/29/avison.html --- 8 poems by Margaret Avinson

THE WORLD STILL NEEDS

Frivolity is out of season.
Yet, in this poetry, let it be admitted
The world still needs piano-tuners
And has fewer, and more of these
Grey fellows prone to liquor
On an unlikely Tuesday, gritty with wind,
When somewhere behind windows,
A housewife stays for him until the
Hour of the uneasy bridge-club cocktails
And the office rush at the groceteria
And the vesper-bell and lit-up buses passing
And the supper trays along the hospital corridor,
Suffering from
Sore throat and dusty curtains.
{excerpt, one of three stanzas}

[Jozanny]

If I may make another aside? (Me and my digressions!) I did start reading the Tate collection I purchased, and I am not disappointed, even though I just started with his early and more formal stanzas, but I did not swing my vote to him because I am still absorbing, and two, I'd have to find the text to join in. I think it is in my big plastic bin--but he would be my second choice if that gives mortal some heft.