[ross hamilton hill]

American, that's a big word. In Valpairaso they write poems on the rocks, in white paint, maybe in honour of Neruda, I know little Spanish so can't say what they said. When I saw them I was a little scandalized as I thought it spoilt the natural scene, but I like the idea of poetry reaching the street, like graffitti art. I'd do that if I wasn't old and lazy, put poetry in places where it surprises people.

As for the USA, I think poetry is in great shape, it's online, that makes it wonderful for me as I can access so much. It's free so you'd better have two careers and it speaks of a culture that despite its problems still innovates and leads, with occasional stumbles.
And of course Canada has Leonard Cohen. And a few Erato girls who shall remain nameless.