A Poet in Buffalo |
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To celebrate Robert Creeley’s 80th birthday, the poet’s friends, family, colleagues, students and an array of special guests who have felt his influence will present a weekend’s worth of readings, music and multimedia, as well as displays of archival treasures, including rare books and Creeley’s collaborations with visual artists. |
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"make out"by Jonathan Skinner |
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islands of flat ice water rotate drifting
down coast a pair of goldeneyes whir and skim
the surface legs folded in arms in arms folded
the sweetest drop of human honey—this gift
the giving and the drift in calm thawing light
Jonathan Skinner will read at the Church on Saturday, May 20 as part of the tribute to Robert Creeley. |
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Night Watchby Ansie Baird |
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You couldn’t quite designate this a safe harbor Although boats galore of every origin Crowd the steel piers in some form of orderly Chaos amid the waters edging Amsterdam.
Sometimes one gangplank leads across another Gangplank moored adjacent to the vessel you inhabit So you must master two or even three Strategies before you reach dry land.
“Could I buy a girl a drink?” you ask, Both of us giddy with desire We’ve concealed more days than reasonable. Metal steps lead up to empty decks
Atop the ship where coupled passengers Linger to survey the looming view. And with each passing night the sky comes closer. “Look. There’s the North Star gleaming over us.”
You point. I am oblivious. This spangled space must be a universe I’ve never seen before. And when you hold me close against your chest,
You ask if I can feel you as a man. “I can,” I say. “I do.” You bend and press your mouth into my neck And all the constellations hold their breath.
Ansie Baird will read at the Church on Saturday, May 20 as part of the tribute to Robert Creeley. |