Before things turned dicey yesterday, I received an invitation to recite some of my poems and some of Vachel Lindsay’s poems at MacMurray in late April. The occasion is the publication of the college’s annual arts anthology Montage. I will open the event and will be followed by Mac students reading (or reciting) works they contributed.. I was a student at Mac, majernin English, from 1968 through about 1971. Didn’t graduate, but I had more fun there than at any time in my life as a college student. I especially remember time in the library which was almost a second home to me. The view of Annie Merner Chapel from the top of the steps across the girls’ lawn hockey field was incredible at dusk. I still remember gazing across the Student Union at Judy Barrringer who drove a Buick Skylark, playing Simom & Garfunkle’s Why Don’t You Write Me on the jukebox and never sharing more than a polite smile and nod with her.
It’s amazing how a pleasant perceived smile and invitation to share poetry makes me forget (for the moment) my aviation book. I should be engaging it now instead of this blog. I have already selected what I intend to recite (subject to change if needed) and will be spending time practicing the poems AFTER I’ve completed the book manuscript and sent it in. Most of the poems I recite are like conceert works, Chopin sonatas if you like, which I learn, commit to memory for sharing when food or dollars are offered, and then practice again before a recital date.Some of what I’ll recite are metaphorically speaking, in my back pocket. I can pull them out and recite for an hour or more at the drop of a hint. It’s not a big deal; I love this kind of activity. It has changed the way I recite some poems, Vachel’s Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight and others. I’ll explain more if anyone cares to know.
You’ve read this posting this far, and that allows me to ask: Do you live in Springfield and if so, would you like to attend this event on the big Mac event on Tuesday, April 22? Yes and yes, so far? If so, may I hitch a ride with you? My Soggy Bottom Express is in no shape to take me to Mac’n'back. I will gladly chip in on the requisite fuel financing. Really, a bunch of us in Springfield — the Poets & Writers crew and others too — should make a night of this, don’t you think? Attend the event and stop at The Barrel Head on our way beck iinto Springfield? I’ll buy the first round of brewskis. I can buy a round; I just can’t buy a car. If you want to go, let me know as a comment folllowing this post. I will e you back and we can make arrangements.
In the meantime, I’m brushing up on my Santa Fe Trail, Serenading the Wind and more.
It’s a kick (a good kick) to be invited to Mac. Thanks to Susan and Robert for their affirmation and interest.
Live long . . . . . and proper.
