I have to chuckle about the Governor “getting it right”. As a Gallatin Valley denizen who has a passing acquaintance with Gianforte, I can say with some confidence that he wouldn’t know a poem from a dog food jingle. Let’s give credit where credit is due; he had a minion who knows a genuine Montana voice when he reads or hears it so congrats, Mark, for the honor. Come on over to the Gallatin for a reading. Bring Chris with ya.
Thank you, you irritable old Metis, for these cheery words on my behalf. Great to hear that the new book, Descended from a Travel-worn Satchel, is getting out there and you are spreading the word--poetry. Growing up working class and doing the "work" that makes money, I always felt funny about claiming that word, poetry. It seemed a bit hoity-toity, la-dee-dah, window dressing for a house that needed storm shutters. So, like you, I didn't claim it for forty years. It was after my dad died when I fell for it head over heels and decided to stop downplaying the significance it held for me (a significance I knew it held for my dad who'd suppressed it his whole life). I guess we're late bloomers, man, but bloomers nonetheless. It's good to smell the roses, count our blessing, toss a joyous cliché salad once and awhile. We'll have to sit down and celebrate our recent delights, pop a beer (pinkies out) and toast our hope that humanity survives its baser self!
Oh wow, that passage from Melting Clocks hit hard. "Forgive yourself for growing spikes when ashamed" and "for all the times you unbecame yourself." Damn. I want to print this out and put it somewhere I can't help but see it every day.
Nice...your time will come! But glad the Governor managed to recognize Mark, indeed it was time to recognize all that Mark has done for poetry and poets across the state.
Really needed that "be kind to myself" thing today as I sit in massive indecision about even tiny things like, "Should I take a bath or a shower?" Everything seems so fucking heavy sometimes and like there must be a right or wrong answer. Sigh.
I have to chuckle about the Governor “getting it right”. As a Gallatin Valley denizen who has a passing acquaintance with Gianforte, I can say with some confidence that he wouldn’t know a poem from a dog food jingle. Let’s give credit where credit is due; he had a minion who knows a genuine Montana voice when he reads or hears it so congrats, Mark, for the honor. Come on over to the Gallatin for a reading. Bring Chris with ya.
Thank you, you irritable old Metis, for these cheery words on my behalf. Great to hear that the new book, Descended from a Travel-worn Satchel, is getting out there and you are spreading the word--poetry. Growing up working class and doing the "work" that makes money, I always felt funny about claiming that word, poetry. It seemed a bit hoity-toity, la-dee-dah, window dressing for a house that needed storm shutters. So, like you, I didn't claim it for forty years. It was after my dad died when I fell for it head over heels and decided to stop downplaying the significance it held for me (a significance I knew it held for my dad who'd suppressed it his whole life). I guess we're late bloomers, man, but bloomers nonetheless. It's good to smell the roses, count our blessing, toss a joyous cliché salad once and awhile. We'll have to sit down and celebrate our recent delights, pop a beer (pinkies out) and toast our hope that humanity survives its baser self!
Oh wow, that passage from Melting Clocks hit hard. "Forgive yourself for growing spikes when ashamed" and "for all the times you unbecame yourself." Damn. I want to print this out and put it somewhere I can't help but see it every day.
Congratulations to Mark Gibbons for being named PL for the. State of Montana. Will have to purchase some of his writings.
Chris, I have both bought your first book, of which, I gave your mom my very positive review, and have pre ordered your new book.
I bet you can't guess that I love to read. 😂.
Thank you for making me laugh until I cry and feeling until I cry (crying’s pretty much my default setting lately), and for writing.
Also, does the governor have ANY idea how often Mark swears? Including in poems?! Ha! Such great news for Mark, poetry, readers, students, Montanans!
Ya got me laughing (& pondering) amid these troubled time. Thanks.
Nice...your time will come! But glad the Governor managed to recognize Mark, indeed it was time to recognize all that Mark has done for poetry and poets across the state.
Really needed that "be kind to myself" thing today as I sit in massive indecision about even tiny things like, "Should I take a bath or a shower?" Everything seems so fucking heavy sometimes and like there must be a right or wrong answer. Sigh.
Wow. Love this.
Thanks for the encouragement to be kind and the recognition that it is so hard right now. I feel almost numb with it.
And don't trouble yourself about what we want from your newsletter. I know that I just want to hear your voice.
Yep. A little forgiveness goes a long way. Especially in this different now. Looking forward to reading both of your books.