A proof copy of That Woman |
The other day the mail brought me a surprise: a slim chapbook of poems by the venerable Tom Montag entitled That Woman. The dedication says it all:
Each of these 13 poems is small in the same way that Niedecker’s poems are small: few words opening onto vistas of feeling and insight. They are aphoristic and imagistic by turns, and all inspired by Niedecker’s presence—written in response to walking with her, engaging her in conversation. Anyone who knows Niedecker’s poetry has experienced this sense of quiet intimacy. Here’s an example:
Her solitude.
What she sawin sadness.
If I could half-believe there’s
nothing I need,wouldn’t she
agree with me?
The tantalizing ambiguities here are typical of Montag’s poems, as they are of Niedecker’s. That is, the two poets make something close to a perfect match.
I should add that this chapbook is part of a fundraising effort by the Friends of Lorine Niedecker, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Niedecker’s poetic legacy. You can get your own copy for a mere $5. Send a check made out to Friends of Lorine Niedecker and mail it to:
Wonderful work by Tom. Thanks.
And Conrad! I forgot to mention your kudos for the Friends. It is a wonderful organization, and their site is a terrific resource. My sense of Niedecker's work is that it will be read increasingly in the future—a well-earned attention….
Thanks, Ed, for throwing another of Tom's fine poems into the mix. And Vassilis, for adding your own special spice….
lovely offshoots <br />branching off<br /><br />sturdy stock
Tom sent me a copy about a month ago<br />I'm "with you" on your 'take' on his <br />'bending-of-the-knee (mind) towards<br />Lorine Niedecker<br /><br />(The Friends of LN also have a very deep web site….<br />and<br />all of the issues of their magazine are included…<br /><br />they sure did one terrific job with that LN 100th)<br /><br />meanwhile THAT WOMAN
What a lovely organization! Kudos to Tom Montag.