When I read this, my first thought was, "I'm being messed with [the word in my head was a little more explicit than, "messed", tho]" You might as well say to me, ask the Pope or Socrates a question--c'mon, go 'head. Actually, it's a little ironic, because my teacher had just suggested I write to Wilbur after I had praised his translation of "Lot's Wife" by Anna Akhmatova, but I never suspected it could be possible.
Alright, I've thought long and hard about this question, so here goes:
I am a young poet (or would-be poet), and by young I don't mean like, I could qualify for the Yale Award for Younger Poets young, I mean that I'm only eighteen years old and won't be in college till next year. As of right now, my plan's are to go into journalism (which, unless the Norton Anthology of Modern Poetry decieves me, you yourself went into for some time in your youth) and continue to write and read poetry when ever I can--and journalism because I like it and because I feel it might help me to cultivate more experience and a broader scope of humanity. My question is, what kind of "lifestyle" should a younger poet cultivate? Should I drop journalism and devote myself to literature if I ever want to become a good poet? And from your own experience, does journalism help or hinder the creative/literary faculties? It is a great, it is a huge honor to ask you this question, Mr. Wilbur, and I will consider whatever you say with the utmost gravity (I hope that doesn't sound pretentious, but really, I will).
-Kevin Corbett
[This message has been edited by kevincorbett (edited January 25, 2003).]
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