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Hi Maria,

You're welcome and yes, "the primal language in the Ghost Tantras threw me
for quite a while - actually - it still is!  But I have to admire the
energy - it would be amazing to hear this spoken."

Ghost Tantras is an early work written to unclog writer's block. You can see
McClure's lyricism when the voice breaks free of the grunts and groans. I
don't know of many authors who'd make a book of that effort.

Many books followed Ghost Tantras and some plays. I recommend 1999's
"Touching the Edge: Dharma Devotions from the Hummingbird Sangha" not only
for the stunning contrast to Ghost Tantras, but as a testimony to McClure's
substantial lyrical ability and clarity. If I may quote from the book
jacket, "These dharma devotions are fruits of his Buddhist meditation
practice. Like bold calligraphy moving vertically down a white scroll..."

    DESPITE FASCINATION
  DO NOT BE CONCERNED
       that form is emptiness
       and emptiness is form.
                         IT
                         IS
                       ALL
                    a brown
                  falling leaf
             no different from
                    anything
                        else.

- Michael McClure (an excerpt)

Another of my favorite books is "Rebel Lions" (rebellions), 1984. Which, for
me, signaled that McClure was achieving the height of his powers.

I've had the pleasure of hearing Michael read in the company of Ray
Manzarek, former keyboardist and arranger for the Doors, on four occasions.
I can testify that the poetry lifts off the page in spectacular fashion. And
I got a kick after one performance when Michael gave me the aside, "Was that
alright?" Yes, Michael, you guys were great.

Best to you
:fp

***************
Frank Parker
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http://now.at/frankshome