David, Sam probably assumed that attaching a metal tag to his bag with his name, address, and phone number would have prevented a fellow participant from walking off with it. In my defense, I'll plead not only the usual extreme West Chester sleep deprivation but (thoroughly justified) panic about missing my plane. Now I just wish I'd rifled through Sam's papers before mailing it back. And I've been wanting to publish more light verse, too...
This was West Chester #8 for me, and I think the best one yet. I enjoyed Mark Jarman's master class and found both his and fellow participants' comments on my drafts extremely helpful. It was an interesting experience for me because I'd never taken a traditional creative writing workshop before (i.e., where nearly all the time is devoted to discussion of student work). And it was a good opportunity to get to know some new people. Dana Gioia's one-day workshop on Writing for Song was also well worthwhile, and the two hours went by in a flash (though it was scheduled at the same time as the Paradelle panel and I regretted having to miss that, especially afterward). The art song concert, featuring the three visitors from Russia, was fantastic.
My only regret is that there were quite a few people, including some Spherians, I'd have liked to talk to but didn't cross paths with, or spoke to only briefly. Tim, I'd thought that you and Alan would be around for the picnic on Saturday but didn't see you there; I'm really sorry we only got to talk for a minute or two. Mike, it was a pleasure to meet you too. "I have one of your poems on my iPod" is an absolutely brilliant way to introduce yourself to a fellow poet. I congratulate you. Having finally gotten one, I may use it myself.
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