My favorite poet, Charles Simic, has been named the new U.S. Poet Laureate, succeeding Donald Hall.
The New York Times story is here. Includes links to some poems.
I try and see Mr. Simic whenever he comes through town. He is a great performer of his poems. One of the few poets who I can never tire of hearing read. He is next reading in NYC on August 21 as part of the Bryant Park Distinguished Poets Series.
I have lost count of the number of signed items I have from Mr. Simic but, between anthologies and his own books, the number exceeds 50. I'm going out on a limb to say that he is probably the most prolific of all poet laureates. I realize that I am unable to collect all of his work.
I have Charles Simic stories galore, from my stuttering introduction of myself the first time I met him ("You're my favorite living poet!") to him shooing me away at Joe's Pub, so he can sign books for some other people.
One of my Simic prizes is a signed copy of a 1959 Chicago Review, which he affirmed to me contained his first published poems, although he acknowledged in his self-effacing way, they weren't very good.
Check out also his Poetry in Motion poster here.
I'll leave you with one of his best-known, wonderful, short poems:
Watermelons Green Buddhas
On the fruit stand.
We eat the smile
And spit out the teeth.From Return to a Place Lit By a Glass of Milk, by Charles Simic.
Very nice reading and wonderful links to a new poet for me. They are sure to provide me with lots of great reading.
ReplyDeleteThank you again for the links. :)