Please use your computer's volume control if necessary.
Please click on the STOP button of your web browser to stop the video.
Please click on the BACK button of your web browser to return to the previous page.

Please click on the 'SICKBAG' icon when you've seen enough.

Oh, Maz, you're just jealous because you don't have one of those cute little blonde-dwarf-wind-up-boy-toy dolls.



[This message has been edited by Michael Cantor (edited June 02, 2005).]

Gee, I haven't heard Johnny Mathis in about 30 years. Isn't that waltz a fox trot? It took me all of three seconds to hit the back button. Blech.

Hiking boots. Still thinking about them. Must find time to look.

Catherine, ice-skating? Why?

Best wishes to all for a great time, from Florence. Italy.

Chris

Terese, Michael, Maz, et al: Yes, Rita does appear to be sickeningly self-involved. And the notion of taking time out of the WCU conference to go ice skating IS problematic, especially when the conference is so expensive.

But, aside from narcissism, I think Rita may have a teeny, tiny little point in suggesting that people think about some physical form of artistry in conjunction with poetry. Dancing, ice skating, gymnastics, singing, playing an instrument, painting, etc.: all are physical acts that can help (some of) us calm our minds and improve our writing. That's why I do it. Laugh all you want!

(But maybe I won't put an ice skating video on my website after all http://www.ablemuse.com/erato/ubbhtml/smile.gif)

Chris: On second thought, just being in Florence may also have the effects described above!

Does anyone else think Rita Dove's husband looks disarmingly like the late and inestimable John Gardner?

I LOVED this site. Fantastic. It is now a treasured item in my bookmarks.

I could make a website and show videos of myself huffing in the gym, or maybe cleaning the kitchen or, even better, shouting at the kids. Why not!

KEB

I would be more interested to learn how many sequins there were on her dresses, and if she'd sewn them all on by hand.

"O wad some Pow'r the giftie gie us
To see oursels as others see us! ..."


Regards, Maz

Hey, if you got it, flaunt it. If I looked like her, and could dance, I'd show off, too.

Alas, my video would be more like the dancing hippopotamus scene in Fantasia.

Katy:

I just realized he looks like a dumpier version of US poet Thomas Lux. I think it's mainly the hair.
http://www.poems.com/luxinter.htm

------------------
Steve Schroeder

Hi David:
I am not organized enough to go this year but I will be planning for it in 2006. I have taken note of all the info and will plan for it early.
Many Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
My husband is interested in coming and he will go horse-hunting at Lancaster, the center of the Amish Community.
best,
Suzanne

Bobby,
Your question seems to have gone walkabout, but answering it anyway:
There's an opening reception at 17.30 on Wed 8 June.
There's a Social Hour at 17.45 on Thur 8 June, and another at 17.45 on Fri.
I guess any of these would be an opportunity to meet up, and I'll look out for you.
I'll post the final list of attendees tomorrow or Mon.
Best regards,
David

David,

I will make inquiries about where the June 8 thingy is located, and find out if they will let me in as a free visitor. I'll let you know.

Bobby

I think this is the final list: 27 in total. Apologies if I missed anybody.
See y'all on Wednesday evening.

Albert Geiser
Alicia Stallings
Claudia Gary Annis
Clay Stockton
David Anthony
David Mason
Deborah Warren
Dick Davis
Don Kimball
Gregory Dowling
Jennifer Reeser
Justin Sider
Len Krisak
Mary Moore
Michael Cantor
Michael Juster
Patti McCarty
Rhina Espaillat
Robert Crawford
Robin-Kemp
Sam Gwynn
Steven Schroeder
Susan McLean
Terese Coe
Tom Jardine
William Thompson
Yolanda Cruz

Plus Bobby Jordan (possibly) for one of the receptions.

David,

OK, good. (Will you be wearing a carnation or something?)

Claudia


[This message has been edited by Claudia Gary Annis (edited June 07, 2005).]

I'll be there, too--I'm looking forward to seeing everyone!

Lisa

Unfortunately, I have word that you can remove Clay Stockton from the list. He won't be making it.

------------------
Steve Schroeder

As, shod in Ecco boots you hike
through all the joys of poetry
remember sandal-wearers like
Mark, Peter, Janet and Henry.

In attics in the candle's glow
with shaking fingers we imbibe
the cheapest plonk because you know
we are the outcasts of the tribe.
~~~~~~~~~~~


(Terese, no malicious intent about Ecco boots. I felt a twinge of envy because I press my nose to the glass and yearn for them.)
Janet

The tribe of bankers, right?

Janet, there's a few of us here too... let's all stick together.

K

And Katy Evans-Bush in London
joins with us Aussies in feeling one-down ;)
Solidarity Katy,
Janet

PS:
And let us not forget Norwegians
who live up in the Arctic regions.


[This message has been edited by Janet Kenny (edited June 09, 2005).]

Report from West Chester:

Lots of interesting conversations, great workshops, great faith and interest in the art of poetry. WCPC is now the largest poetry conference in the US.

Everyone is friendly, cheerful and chatty.

Last night there was a panel on Mchael Donoghy, telling a few stories and reading his poems. Then they played a recording of him reading for the Hudson Review, and it was good to hear him read.

Later, there was a gathering reception at an art gallery, lots of people there, many more than when I was here last.

I am taking lots of photos and will link them here when I get back so those who couldn't make it can see what some of the people look like.

Later, I don't have my glasses at this computer.

TJ

Thanks Tom,
I'm looking forward to seeing the photos.
Janet

I am so disappointed not to be able to attend this year. I have put myself on their mailing list and hope to attend next year.

I hope those who attend will give us some feedback on how it went.

Catherine Chandler
Canada

There was a panel this morning chaired by Thomas Cable to award Marina Tarlinskaya the Robert Fitzgerald Award for her work in prosody. She talked about the history of meter across the world. Very interesting, very in depth.

Nerdy writers like me love this kind of thing. It does make you aware that poetry and form is taken seriously.

Earlier this morning Kevin Walser of David Robert Books chaired Kim Bridgeford, Robert Watts, Marilyn Taylor and Frederick Turner reading from their books.

The food is good this year, better and better. I will try to get pictures of the dorm which members describe as hot and uncomfortable. Gulags.

Wonderful weather, hot and humid.

The schedule goes from 8 in the morning to 10 at night.

I think you can get the schedule off the site.

Hmmm...this here comduter has a writable drive. Maybe I can load a picture or two.

TJ

I'm back already due to my son's high school graduation, but had a wonderful, if all too brief, time. At the Farewell to the Formalist panel OUR Sam Gwynn recited new clerihews about West Chester folks (who overlap a lot with Eratosphereans) allegedly complaining about The Formalist.
I was so busy I gave drive-by hugs to old friends and didn't meet new people except for the fun and talented Jennifer Reeser. Oh well... The Donaghy tribute was well-done, but surreal. Particularly when his taped voice came on, it was impossible for a moment to believe he was gone.
I'll have another graduation next year (God and school admistrators willing...) but maybe in 2007 I'll catch some of the people I missed.

Very hot and sticky here at West Chester - but, as somebody has pointed out here, stickiness is what Garrison Keillor says poets must aim to achieve.
Having a great time as usual - and a significant part of the fun is putting faces to names.
Mike, I'm sorry I didn't get to talk to you. I think you're the only Spherean I missed. I also had a copy of your book I wanted you to sign. Well, next year...
Gregory

Sorry, Greg! I love to sign books! Get me early next year--my daughter's graduation will also be West Chester week!