Father, I have received messages from Michael Peich, (the co-founder of the West Chester Poetry Conference), and from Gerry Cambridge, (the editor of The Dark Horse). The poet, Deborah Warren, sends her love and deep thanks to Tim. Alexandra Oliver bids Tim the peace of Our Lord, and bids us remind Tim of Wilbur's translation of Francis Jammes’ “A Prayer to Go to Heaven with the Donkeys.” David Rothman and Susan Spear, editors of THINK Journal, have sent me a file of the upcoming issue, which is formally dedicated to Tim. I will forward that file to both you and Jim, but please be aware -- it is not for distribution, but marked "For Your Eyes Only."
Also, Cynthia Haven asks me to send her love. Tim will remember, she is the writer who interviewed him for "The Cortland Review." Daniel Rifenburgh, too, sends all his best to Tim. The critic, William Logan, says, "Ave atque vale."
Below, please see my missives from Gerry Cambridge and Mike Peich. Thank you so much. Grace and peace, and may the angels themselves carry you on your journey there today. As Tim loves to say to me, "We are the evangels."
Jennifer
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"Dear Tim,
I remain proud at The Dark Horse for publishing more, in the early days of your career, of your excellent, pithy and distinctive first poems than any other journal, way back over twenty years ago when we were both relative striplings beginning our ventures in publishing. Singular spirit, I wish you all the very best for what is to come from a lad who singled neeps in his youth in Ayrshire, and who recognises with admiration the authentic note struck by your own poetry. Stat rosa pristina nomine, nomina nuda tenemus. Bravo, old bard."
-- Gerry Cambridge
"If I could read Tim a poem, it would be Fred Morgan's 'The Step,' a poem I read at my parents’ memorial services, and for the services of three friends.
The Step
From where you are at any moment you
may step off into death.
Is it not a clinching thought?
I do not mean a stoical bravado
of making the great decision blade in hand
but the awareness, all so simple, that
right in the middle of the day
you may be called to an adjoining room."
-- Michael Peich
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