Honoring Poetry Elders

Here in Fresno, we were lucky to see readings by two great poets during, and then near the ends of their lives--Philip Levine, and Peter Everwine. After their deaths, accolades poured in. There were memorial services, dedicated readings, receptions--and the opening of the Philip Levine Reading Room at Fresno State, where they both taught. It houses his and Peter's personal libraries.

How wonderful it would have been for them to have heard such lovely and appreciative things while they were still living.

Something terrific along those lines happened recently for another significant and aging poet, Gary Snyder. The Library of America organized a filmed tribute by literary luminaries and some notable appreciators--and it included Gary, who heard every word in real time. Many of his poems were shared, voiced by his friends--who love them, and him.

Give yourself this gift of poetry. Watch it.

https://youtu.be/34vDHhFrc2c

Gary Snyder