As part of its effort to highlight its concern about America's growing indifference to literature, the National Endowment for the Arts is hosting the National Book Fair. On October 9 Sam Gwynn and I have been asked to read our poems on the National Mall. The events will be televised on MSNBC.

Tim, this is very good news. If anyone can stir up the public in a reading, you're the man. As always, I hope you'll give them a taste of my favorite Geat.

Awesome, man, I can't wait! Make sure you post another warning closer to the day & the hour, so we don't forget & miss it.

Chris

Sam just advised me that this is not yet to be public knowledge (gulp). Well, don't hold any press conferences. Dana didn't mention that, and I'm sure he isn't issuing invites on the strength of the work, but on the skill of the readers. Sam is one of the best there is, once you get used to the sounds of his vowels. I think I'm just going to don a snow white wig and mumble my way through The Gift Outright.

"The land was ours before we were the land's..."

"the sound of his vowels" indeed! If Mr. Murphy continues to libel me on this board I shall have no recourse but to demand satisfaction.

Robert Samuel, I have acquired a brace of .410 single shot pistols. May I suggest 9 shot at 100 yards? Honor can be served with no damage to your sainted person.

Hey, if you really want to revive interest in poetry, why don't you two fight it out on the Mall? Maybe that would send people scurrying to find out what sort of verse such miscreants create.
This is good news, especially in light of the NEA report on reading that came in today's mail. You two go out and fight the good fight -- and not against each other!
RPW

Seriously, guys,
could someone do what Chris
suggested and remind us all
a few days before it's
scheduled to air? (Assuming
it does air)

Tim, you're reading my mind. Snake Doctors at 50 paces. Shall we let Huber do the counting?

Yeah, Snake Doctors at fifty would be perfect. I was thinking Dana would pace it off on the Mall, but Homeland Security might object. Len, when I know more I'll post the broadcast info.