Great Finds
I believe you find what you need to find at exactly the right moment. Which, of course, doesn't mean you aren't surprised. That's how I found the poets I love -- and that have shaped me as a poet -- at exactly the right moment. I can remember my friend Eric introducing me to Rumi, the moment I understood Emily Dickinson, and the dream that made me want to read Rilke. For me it's like remembering meeting a good friend. Whitman, Hopkins, Wordsworth -- they all came at specific moments in my life, and now I am expanding that circle to contemporary poets. Eric started me off with Kazim Ali, and just last week, my university's alumni magazine introduced me to Rick Hilles. His poem, Larry Levis in Provincetown struck me as both beautiful and beautifully imagined.
A couple of days later, I found myself at my neighborhood used book shop. I casually scanned the shelves and found a brand new copy of Rick Hilles' book, Brother Salvage
, on the shelf. It was, of course, meant for me.
Do you have a favorite poet or writer? Who are they? How did you discover them?
A couple of days later, I found myself at my neighborhood used book shop. I casually scanned the shelves and found a brand new copy of Rick Hilles' book, Brother Salvage
, on the shelf. It was, of course, meant for me.Do you have a favorite poet or writer? Who are they? How did you discover them?
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