Just to let you know, I have no valentine

Tim's dad died today, on the 3 mos. anniversary of his mom's death, and we are all surprised and sad for him. He managed to write out a coherent, although title-less, poem that was very descriptive of his father. We agreed it was excellent and "ginsbergian".

Welcome home, Susan. Our missing Ms. Riback joined us after a lengthy absence, with a strong poem called The Last Anniversary that triggered an "emotional reaction" in Tim, and, I think, others. Susan's voice is distinctive and I've missed her.

Mark's "I sleep with a pile of books now" struck a chord. I (and I hear of others who) sleep the same, turning over in the night to awake to the thump of volumes hitting the floor. I love it. It was also a fun poem, amusing and accurate. Susan read Afraid of my Larrys and liked the feel of Larry's words in her mouth when she read them, and the alliteration. Tom thought it a great performance piece. I just enjoyed the camouflage Larry, contrary Larries, the little Larry who wants to be loved, the fallings apart Larry and the creepy little so and sos. More fun.

Tom and Kafka. What a marriage. The woman. The letters. The dialogue. The black bathing suit. The dog. The email. Dennis and Wallace Stevens, general thought that Midwinter was reminiscent of WS after a distinct change of voice in the middle. It was "chock full of images".

I felt there was a different degree of personalness in Paul's Penny Arcade that is missing in much of his work, although always nostalgic and full of images. It was a poignant commentary on his father. Tom and Alan both commented and Paul may consider the suggestions.

So, ten guys, me and Susan. The End.

BTW, the final word is: Do not ever buy from the food co-op. That's my advice after hearing Alan's Wildlife at the Food Co-op. Unless you don't find worms and bird poop offensive.