Birthday Elegance

John's dead. "these days stand like vapor under the trees."

He visited Wellesley in 2007. After a brilliant reading, he took some questions. A voice from the back row asked, “What influence has food had on your work?” John giggled and looked delighted. He started in on an answer when the man clarified: he’d said Proust. John’s spirit sunk a little, though he still managed to give a brilliant answer. I always think of that moment when I imagine Ashbery’s mind, so brightened by the opportunity to talk at length about the meals he remembered.

John

Borealis

The Night I Saw You

https://youtu.be/r7dpAwOhQS4

You didn't look like you, so I wasn't sure it was you when I walked in at nine and heard you there. But it had the feel and the solos were flowing and the tones were dry, yet warm and suitably spiky that I couldn't imagine this being anyone else, but you know who has the conviction took more than a few numbers. Heard you you play a couple of licks. At one point you looked at your watch and said, it's time but then monkey business. What a tease I thought but you played it and I liked the riff behind the rapture to give the song a tension I didn't remember. You also played the stuff I heard, remember I showed up? The cool thing is you played it like I shook your hand at the end of the night like you had saved the world. The encore was pretty and you know you almost didn;t play it Richard.

A funny American poet

ASHBERY

Some people wouldn't agree that my poetry is lighthearted. Frank O'Hara once said, “I don't see why Kenneth likes John's work so much because he thinks everything should be funny and John's poetry is about as funny as a wrecked train.” In my life I am reasonably happy now. There are days when I think I am not, but I think there are probably more days when I think I am. I was impressed by an Ingmar Bergman movie I saw years ago—I can't remember the name of it—in which a woman tells the story of her life, which has been full of tragic experiences. She's telling the story in the dressing room of a theater where she is about to go on and perform in a ballet. At the end of it she says, “But I am happy.” Then it says, “The End.”

Zebra Attraction

He broke six eggs breaking a leg fixing an omelet.

The Newscraft circa 1999

30 June 1999

The Editor Port Lincoln Times
PO Box 1672
Port Lincoln, SA 5606

Dear Sir/ Madam,

The Port Lincoln Times is looking for a talented journalist. You have found the right person.

My dreams point to Port Lincoln. You appeal to me because you want someone who can write effectively. I am a student of this game, forever observing and studying the newscraft.

Some might say I strive for personal satisfaction, an elusive goal only reached through perfection. However, I'm narrowing the gap at an alarming pace. I take pride in the knowledge I have gained, and always look to improve my ability. My stuff sells newspapers.

I have all the defining characteristics of the Subeditor/Journalist. My wife and I are willing to move immediately. I greatly anticipate hearing from you.

Best Regards,

Xxxxx Xxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxx@hotmail.com
(03) 6334 4227

Great wall

My bedroom wall looks great. Such a beauty. thanks to Watercolors by Ellis E. Fields (American) and painting/screenprint by Mia Schoen (Australian).

what a beauty from Mia, my favorite sister from another mister

Prom photo

Soul in the Hole

After an admirable shot at the unmentionable, I try to mend, for it takes all kinds, dry martini

in bed with a book that cooks.

Soul in a Cone

After a splendid spending spree, the dry martini for me

in bed with a book that cooks.