That's what I'm saying, at least, Andrew. Rick was not on the initial invite list (though I know Seven Towers informed the WCU Poetry Center of the book's existence). I made an appeal to a list of WC faculty and panel and seminar leaders, as well as to Kim Bridgford herself, arguing for the inclusion of Huncke. (Sure, I was excluded when Across the Grid of Streets came out, but look, someone had to make the appeal.) In fairness, the bulk of those I contacted responded graciously... and said (I assume accurately) that they had no role in the First Books Panel selection could do nothing. But Bridgford never so much as acknowledged receipt, and Rick was not invited. Some of us apparently don't merit a response (though my immediate boss at the Raintown is running the Women's Timeline and a panel, though I co-curate the regular reading series that gave Kim Bridgford a paying New York reading last fall, etc.).
It was hurtful when it was my turn, but it's hard to be objective about one's own work. In Rick's case, it is a genuinely exceptional book, and that lot just can't be bothered. And I'm saying this as nicely as I can.
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