two things

the world sure seems to be going to hell.  but there are good things too.  for example, when i got home yesterday i saw a fat envelope in my mailbox.  i saw the return address.  eileen tabios.  two books: I forgot light burns [moria books; 2015] and Against Misanthropy: A Life in Poetry [blazevox; 2015].  two lovely and unexpected gifts.

i opened Against Misanthropy and there was an epigraph by danish poet paul lafleur, 'to be a poet is not writing a poem, it is finding a new way to live.'  a beautiful reminder that being a good person is not antithetical to being a good poet.  i like to think so.  we all live in this crazy world together.  poetry for me is a way of participating in our world.  you don't have to be an asshole to participate.  you can create a new way of living based on generosity and kindness.  eileen's books are emblems of generosity and kindness.

plus i check my email and see jim mccrary sent me a link to a radio program.  he was interviewed yesterday on a lawrence, ks radio show.  every time i hear jim's voice it is a good time.  follow the link here and listen for yourself.