Peck away at the big library list.
I like holding books, physically touching them. I like opening books up and looking at words and giving them a shot. Try to comprehend what someone else is saying. I know the person who wrote that book cares. I'll start the book. If it interests me I'll keep going. First and foremost, I'll give it a shot.
Few people I know are as enthralled by books in general as I am, however. And I mostly get yawns from the new people I meet and tell about RBP and this passion I have. You meet a little hostility at times.
It's odd. Some people are virulently opposed to books in general. "I don't read--" I hear that refrain a lot. It puzzles me. I can't imagine a life without books and reading. It fucking amazes me.
A new book (proof) came from Lulu today. A beauty by K.C. Bacon titled "Morandi's Bottles." Morandi was a mid-twentieth century Italian artist, an inspiration to K.C. The book has a gorgeous cover (a painting by K.C.) and forty highly accomplished poems. What's not to like about that?
Well, we're in an era of extreme anti-intellectualism in America now. Another refrain I hear a lot is, "I don't read poetry." "I wrote a poem," I once announced to a friend. "Oh, Christ!" she exclaimed. I thought this women had better sense. That is I thought she had a poetic sensibility. She worked in the theater for years, a notable director here in Portland. "Please, not poetry!" she said.
What a fucking bitch! Ha! Her hatred of poetry made me despise her. Lit love and hate!
I gave my business card to a new acquaintance the other day. He practically threw it back in my face. "What the fuck do I need with a press," he said. He worked in construction, a hard hat. I hate to generalize, but hard hats are fucking dumb!
No, I don't know very many people with the passion that I have for books. I guess that is why I make them and they don't.
They do other things. Good for them.
TS
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