26 ago 2005

I do like gazpacho, but not other "chilled soups." I like Paul Motian. I don't like Nina Simone or Woody Allen. I don't like Unamuno, though I insist on teaching him. I hate "religiosity," not the same thing as "religion."

My poem about Bill Evans is not in any sense "lightweight" . It is completely sincere and poignant and not meant to be amusing. The anecdote is totally real and the emotions on the surface. I weep whenever I read this poem. However,

the poet does not control reactions to his or her work. If Tony Robinson reads my poem as amusing and lightweight, I can only protest in vain. Plus, how could I compete with David Shapiro? I thought it was an contest for "amateurs."

Maybe there's another Spanish professor who sent in a poem, so there is the possibility that Tony is not referring to my poem at all.

10 comentarios:

Anthony Robinson dijo...

Reader response, JM.

I thought it was lightweight, yet sincere. They are not mutually exclusive. It's the sort of poem that when I read for Canary or NWR, I tend to say, "this is nice, but a little slight."

What does that mean? Eh, I'm not sure. If it's any consolation, your poem came in third place. Maybe I'll put it up on Po Less Than Daily anyway.

Jonathan dijo...

That "lightweight" comment hurt. I'm not sure why it should have. I'm not usually that sensitive. Calling it "slight" doesn't help much.

Anthony Robinson dijo...

Wow. Mr. Thin Skin. Don't take me off your "like" list.

My poems have been rejected by so many people that I guess I forget that it can sometimes hurt.


Apologies.

(Geez, I LIKE the poem...)

andy mr. dijo...

This is one of the most pathetic blog posts I?ve ever read, and really that?s saying something.

Jonathan dijo...

What a nice comment. Thanks. Way to kick a guy when he's feeling down.

Anthony Robinson dijo...

You said it, Mister! Dumb Guy here. Guilty as charged!

Anthony Robinson dijo...

He was kidding Jonathan!

We love each other!

jwg dijo...

this is why i love blogs

Kasey Mohammad dijo...

How can anyone not love Nina Simone?

Jonathan dijo...

I don't like Abbie Lincoln either.