From: "Chris Hamilton-Emery"
> I'd go for "POEMS FOR THE MILLENNIUM" compiled by Rothenberg and Joris.
Two
> v. large volumes of pure excitement.

Hi, Chris. I agree with you that "POEMS FOR THE MILLENNIUM" I and II
comprise the best anthology to come out in a long, long time. However, I
think it would be daunting to a person unfamiliar entirely with poetry. My
desire would be to nurture such a person to a point of interest where I
could introduce those volumes, but that is a hope. My reservations are
subjective and I'll tell you why (and maybe I'm completely wrong!)

I work a blue collar job, I'm a printer. The people I work with are as
various as any population cross section; some read only best-sellers, some
TV Guide, one ventures to Joseph Campbell and Native American mythology,
another is a world class photographer, another Backpacker Magazine, some are
lucky to read road signs and still others are confused by our work orders.
My interest in poetry is well known in the shop. That factor alone has
garnered poetry a measure of regard without anyone cracking a book. So I'd
say first we are ambassadors of poetry's viability merely by being its
representitive. Over the years, at one time or another, various co-workers
have asked to know more about poetry. At those times I try to gage what an
entry point might be for this particular person. It's a tough moment, I'm on
the spot! For my mythology exploring production manager Rumi was right on.
For the young pressman working next to me it was pointing out the lyrics of
the music he constantly plays. And I was very honored and surprised when my
backpacking buddy and co-worker showed up at one of my readings with his
girlfriend. He told me later he didn't understand what I was saying but
admired that I was saying it, that for days afterward his girlfriend poured
over my chapbook and drove him nuts trying to break it down to him.

Perhaps I'm reading Peter's original question wrong.  But I've found the
entrance for many people into poetry is usually best served on a small dish
(outside of an academic setting). Like I said though, my view is very
subjective.

Best regards,
Frank

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Frank Parker
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