April 2011
The Poetry Issue
Laura Plageman
For this issue I usually bring an interview, a story or two, and invite work from poets and poetry students. This time I am unabashedly stepping forward as chief editor of The Sound Journal and making fresh, bold choices. Instead of bringing our community writers and poets into print, I am featuring those who are inspiring to me: William Merwin, Coleman Barks, Jane Hirshfield, Naomi Shihab Nye, and my Editor’s Choice: Wendy Taylor Carlisle.
Another change: we’ve never done a poetry issue in website format, so we’re stretching there as well, striving to allow the poetry to come alive with the much more structured layout options we have here on line.
Also, I interview Jennifer Clement, and bring you to my workshop with Marvin Bell. [My smudges are all over the digital text, though they appear to clean up well.]
I reintroduce a favorite artist who graced the pages of The Sound Journal six years ago, the master of tree drawing, Stanley Maltzman. Laura Plageman shares her stunning color photographs, and Kyra Epstein, my co-editor and co-conspiritor writes about U.S. Poet Laureate W.S. Merwin’s delicious event she directed at Commonweal in Bolinas in early February. And there is a treat: a video recording of Merwin speaking that day!
May this issue give you the great pleasure it has given me.
Warmly,
Tamam Kahn, Editor
Contents
Afternoon with W.S. Merwin, by Kyra Epstein
Afternoon Workshop with Marvin Bell, by Tamam Kahn
Interview with Jennifer Clement, by Tamam Kahn
The Poets:
I saw this issue in iphone email yesterday without time to even peruse it. This morning I ate it for breakfast, before meditating even. It’s so delicious! I love to occasionally start the day with a very rich and fulfilling dessert. Now I’m trying to visit the zafu before visiting Naomi Shihab Nye’s web site. Wish me luck!
Thanks so much to all that put this together. The vidoes are wonderful.
Listen to Naomi read and hear the magic, the rhythm of grand poetry.
Blessings,
Hafiz
What a beautiful job you’ve done dear one. I am delighted to have the interview and the notes–and Naomi! wow. I can savor this for days.
Tamam, You have taken The Sound to a whole new level. I am inspired
) In admiration, Marlowe
Janet – Thanks for reminding us about the visuals! We plan to devote a page to Stanley. His fine drawings didn’t work so well in the small spaces, though there is one on Jane Hirshfield’s page. Stay tuned! Tamam
Naomi Shihab Nye’s poetic sensitivity sent chills up and down my spine and arms.
I so look forward to reading The Sound with its quality heartfelt Blessings.
Love to All.
Vivian
alhamdulilah! Blessed be the Oneness connection here in Puerto Rico!!!!