Essay in Contemporary Poetry Review
 

This began as a post on the Sphere, as it happens. Here it is, much re-worked and expanded, in article form:

http://www.cprw.com/the-lighter-side...ur-poetry-book

Don't no newbie get the wrong idea. Such posts do not count toward the 15 required.

That's hysterical, not at all standard table fare for CPR. Congratulations.

Great cynicism, Quincy. An enjoyable read.

Well done, Quincy, even if I was outed.

I trust you know that the epithet was in the service of humor, Michael, and in no way reflects my true opinion of you (which is something akin to worshipfulness). (And has Rhina ever actually read in Toronto? Probably. She gets around.)

Oh I knew that, Quincy (except for the "worshipfulness" part - I think "guarded concern" would be more appropriate), but I couldn't resist. Absolutely no hard feelings. The only thing that bothers me is that I posted a quick comment on the essay itself, and I can't go back in and tweak it, which is how I usually compose. What I'd like to change it to is "...third runner-up in last year's Pan-Brooklyn Oscar Wilde Look-and-Dress-Alike competition."

Incidentally, you should add a paragraph about sending e-mail announcements to every vaguely poetry/literary related mailing list you have ever stumbled across and saved in anticipation of this moment. And a curse on those who send blind copies, eliminating this opportunity; and a blessing on them what include the entire mailing list with the body of their message, locking everybody on it into perpetual lit-spam servitude.

I don't know, Quincy. Yes, it's funny... but the cynicism is *so* 2009... ;)

It's like you're shooting cute little bunnies with a multi-hued paintball gun, and then laughing at the riotous colors running around. Somewhere, the Muse is tapping her foot, and wearing an impatient scowl... ;)

Best,

Bill

Thirty-eight sales? That's pretty damn good. Congratulations, Quincy!

David R.

Well, Bill, the only problem with the bunny metaphor is that those things can run. This was more like going after a beached whale with a bazooka.