My failure to post a Friday Notebook entry last week is a sure indication that I’ve been swamped with “real work.” Gaaah! Nevertheless, I have had enough free time to finished Madame Bovary. I had tried many times to read Flaubert’s masterpiece but found myself defeated by the standard Steegmuller translation; this newer translation by Margaret Mauldon somehow let me in somehow. I’m grateful for that!
Anyway, here’s a passage that struck me as natural Perpetual Bird material:
Human language is like a cracked kettle drum on which we beat out tunes for bears to dance to, when what we long to do is make music that will move the stars to pity.
If we’re not driven by that longing—well, why bother to write?
Joseph Hutchison, Colorado Poet Laureate 2014-2019, has published 20 collections of poems and edited or co-edited three poetry anthologies. He currently directs two master’s-level programs for University College at the University of Denver: Professional Creative Writing and Arts & Culture Management. Joe lives with his wife, Melody Madonna, in the mountains southwest of Denver, Colorado, the city where he was born. 
The reading went beautifully, Robert. One of these days our paths will cross! And yes, Flaubert's book is a great one. Maybe it was me who let myself in!
good quote, Joe. I gave the book to my daughter for Christmas but haven't heard her reaction. Hope that letting you in meant you enjoyed it. It's long ago since I read it, but I have always thought it deserved it's status as a classic. <br /><br />Hope the reading went well. Sorry I couldn't make it.