This is such an inspiring essay; thank you for it. I'm a poetry beginner so had never heard of Jubilate Agno or the many poems it has inspired. They are beautiful and funny and profound. I will think of that line about the bearded men of Brooklyn next time I grab a slice, for sure.
Sorry to hear about your father, too, Brian. Some beautiful lessons and memories in there, in the midst of the complicated and difficult. It can't have been easy to write but it's beautiful to read.
I’m glad I could introduce you to these poems Richard. They’re so much fun and they help remind us that when we write poetry, we’re in conversation with people who’ve been doing the same work for millennia.
Thank you for writing this Brian. Of course I already know this story -- I have lived through half of it with you. You are strong and beautiful and you could not be that without him, and yet he made you be without him for so long... to me, this is the why, of poetry.
Although never a smoker, there was always something interesting going on in the smoker community, the way they welcomed each other, generously offering strangers spare ciggies if someone was out, or a light from their own. This was particularly noticeable to all, I think, after employers made them pariahs and created those inconvenient outside designated smoking areas.
Is Jeoffry a ginger tabby (“tribe of Tiger”)? And does Jeoffry ever get recreational drugs such as N. cataria? There’s a mention of musk, but not sure what Jeoffry is getting there.
If so, please consider clicking the above link and liking the Notes post—leave a comment or even share within your own community. Poetry lives on in the minds of hearts of writers, it breathes on the page.
Your voice can be heard among the starry illuminations, howling at the moon.
If so, please consider clicking the above link and liking the Notes post—leave a comment or even share within your own community. Poetry lives on in the minds of hearts of writers, it breathes on the page.
Your voice can be heard among the starry illuminations, howling at the moon.
This is such an inspiring essay; thank you for it. I'm a poetry beginner so had never heard of Jubilate Agno or the many poems it has inspired. They are beautiful and funny and profound. I will think of that line about the bearded men of Brooklyn next time I grab a slice, for sure.
Sorry to hear about your father, too, Brian. Some beautiful lessons and memories in there, in the midst of the complicated and difficult. It can't have been easy to write but it's beautiful to read.
I’m glad I could introduce you to these poems Richard. They’re so much fun and they help remind us that when we write poetry, we’re in conversation with people who’ve been doing the same work for millennia.
Thank you for writing this Brian. Of course I already know this story -- I have lived through half of it with you. You are strong and beautiful and you could not be that without him, and yet he made you be without him for so long... to me, this is the why, of poetry.
“My favorite Patrick Phillips poem is “Elegy for Smoking”:
https://aprweb.org/poems/elegy-for-smoking
Although never a smoker, there was always something interesting going on in the smoker community, the way they welcomed each other, generously offering strangers spare ciggies if someone was out, or a light from their own. This was particularly noticeable to all, I think, after employers made them pariahs and created those inconvenient outside designated smoking areas.
Is Jeoffry a ginger tabby (“tribe of Tiger”)? And does Jeoffry ever get recreational drugs such as N. cataria? There’s a mention of musk, but not sure what Jeoffry is getting there.
“For he can spraggle upon waggle.”
Fine writer and reader of Substack—we are starting a movement to get a poetry section added to the platform. Can I ask, are you with us?
https://substack.com/profile/10309929-david/note/c-15579327
If so, please consider clicking the above link and liking the Notes post—leave a comment or even share within your own community. Poetry lives on in the minds of hearts of writers, it breathes on the page.
Your voice can be heard among the starry illuminations, howling at the moon.
Thank you for your time and support.
Love and appreciation,
David
Fine writer and reader of Substack—we are starting a movement to get a poetry section added to the platform. Can I ask, are you with us?
https://substack.com/profile/10309929-david/note/c-15579327
If so, please consider clicking the above link and liking the Notes post—leave a comment or even share within your own community. Poetry lives on in the minds of hearts of writers, it breathes on the page.
Your voice can be heard among the starry illuminations, howling at the moon.
Thank you for your time and support.
Love and appreciation,
David