Pat included this in the August
RJP Newsletter:
The Birthday Readings: Of course we were thrilled and surprised at the space we were given in
The Saginaw News, Saturday, July 9, 2005, about our readings of poets on their birthday. Three photographs even! We do thank Arts Editor,
Janet Martineau for her article.
Publicity Brings Results: The first reading following the article was of Neruda on July 12. Seven new persons came to that reading. They were mostly strangers to the River Junction Poets members there. All signed up to receive the newsletter. We do hope some of them are writers who would enjoy our group. All are welcome, whether writers or not.
The gathering to read Tess Gallagher was slightly fewer in number, but again, a new person attended, and two returned from the reading before.
Dick Blakeley, newly hired by Barnes & Noble to promote events, joined us for this reading. He has made posters, is now ordering books ahead for the readings, sets up a table of books, and brings samples of “slushes.” We appreciate his enthusiasm and welcoming attitude.
The Kunitz Reading: On July 29th the group multiplied to nineteen persons! Ten were from R.J.P. (four for the first time). None of the non-members had come before. Poems and bits of biographical information were shared around the circle. The newest book out by Stanley Kunitz is a beautiful book, both the contents and the physical book.
The Wild Braid produced with Genine Lentine and photographer, Marnie C. Samuelson, is about gardening and poetry, life and death. It is a very spiritual book with interesting comments about his garden. Kunitz ties these thoughts to his opinions and knowledge about writing poetry. Expensive at $24.95, this is a book for any poet or gardener to beg, borrow, steal or buy.
A lovely surprise came in the story brought to us by Dorothy C-, who had come to learn about the poetry of Stanley Kunitz. She was already acquainted with his garden, and told us an interesting story.
Some years ago, perhaps five, she was visiting Provincetown and insisted on her husband stopping in front of a beautiful garden so she could really look at it. A woman came along. They talked for a moment, the woman mentioning Kunitz, which meant nothing to Dorothy. The woman was going to photograph in the garden, invited Dorothy and her friend to come along, but cautioned, “Do not say a word.” Ever since that tour, Dorothy has collected articles about Kunitz, and she shared other information with us, along with her personal story. We loved it!
If you have not attended a Birthday Reading please plan to do so. It is fun and relaxing. No advance preparation is needed, you do not have to have a book (though if you have one bring it). Books are available to use there. It is a very informal evening. Come when you choose. No obligation, no duty, no cost – unless, of course, you get hooked on a poet and decide to buy a book.
Voting for October birthday poets: Included in this mailing is the list of October birthdays of poets. Underline your choices (choose as many as six). We will settle on the poets with the most votes, choosing four or five. Bring to the August meeting, or mail to Pat McN-.
At the picnic we voted then and there, so if you cannot attend the meeting, mail your choice before August 18th.
Excerpts:If there is any life when death is over,
These tawny beaches will know much of me,
I shall come back, as constant and as changeful
As the unchanging, many-colored sea.
“On the Dunes” by Sara Teasdale
Those authors I can never love
Who write, “It’ll fit him like a glove.”
Though baseballs may be hit, not “hitted,”
The past of “fit” is always “fitted.”
The sole exception worth a haricot
Is “Joshua fit de battle ob Jericho.”
“Laments for a Dying Language” by Ogden Nash
The island women move through Paris
as if they had just finished inventing
their destinations. It’s better
not to get in their way. And better
not look an island woman in the eye –
unless you like feeling unnecessary.
“The Island Women of Paris” by Rita Dove
