Since July

Four things to note:

Kay Ryan, one of my absolute favorites, to whom I've paid homage in past blog entries including this one, was named Poet Laureate.

The Petaluma Poetry Walk in September; a fine day of poetic feeding.

About three weeks ago, I received the contract and galley copy for proofing for "I Am In Love With Old Men," the Pinch prize-winner. It's exciting to see it as presented, with the font that will be used, etc. And exciting to sign a contract of any kind for a poem.

And tonight, I saw Mary Oliver read. I have a new heroine, a new role model. If I can grow to be as true to myself, as clear in my vision, as dedicated to my work as Mary Oliver - well! then, maybe I'll have done something of worth with words. I'll at least have lived honestly and well. She's amazing. I'm so grateful that I've had a chance to see her in person, hear her read her words and speak to us between poems. I think: Okay. Now how to make that happen for myself? Not the adoring audience, sold-out house, sold-out books at the sale table, the winding line waiting for signings.But how to create a body of work that's as solid as hers, as insightful, brutally honest and beautiful?

My voice, my vision put out there for the world to have or not have, but put out there all the same because some things, like the way the piercing specks of Venus and Jupiter were anchored by a crescent moon last night, and the way I'm starting to understand that this life is finite but infinitely beautiful, must be written, must be said.