[Janice D. Soderling]

While looking for something else this morning I made the serendipitous discovery of a poet I had not previously heard of, Samuel Menashe, born 1925.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Menashe

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...toryId=6430065

The Chicago-based Poetry Foundation decided to honor him with its first Neglected Masters Award, a prize that came with a $50,000 check.

This is like a godmother in a fairy tale visiting the poet sitting in the ashes and I can't be reflect how different poetry publication and recognition was for him than for the notices I read about daily of this one and that one being Poet in Residence at Podunk YMCA or getting a Fellowship to Oxbridge or a guest professor position at Yarvard.

I am curious to know if anyone knows any more about him, or if everyone knows about him but me and I am just an ignoramus. The hip New Yorkers might be able to fill in some blanks.

Imagine, nearly 85 and suddenly recognized with this windfall that will enable him to live more comfortably. I am happy for him, the man who couldn't retreat from poetry.




At a Standstill



That statue, that cast

Of my solitude

Has found its niche

In this kitchen

Where I do not eat

Where the bathtub stands

Upon cat feet --

I did not advance

I cannot retreat