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Photograph by Bob Gentry 8/5/99
A Thought for Today
Life is to short not to believe in Santa Clause.
I trust most of you have finished your
Christmas shopping, I hope to start mine tomorrow or the next day. Meanwhile, here’s
some mail.
SPACES
Dear Rod, I went to my old
high school yesterday and I checked out the library (just to see if your books are still
there.) I was smiling of the thought that I can never get enough of you and probably never
will. My name appeared more than twice in the borrower list. (card 2 at that!) there were
only 3 books there. (Hand in Hand, Too Many Midnight’s, Seasons in the Sun). I came
to ponder that you really were my first love. :o) One of the poems that still burns in my
heart is "SPACES" I hope you can share it to the rest of the world.
"And though the
separation is but inches it might as well be miles"
It is such sad thing...spaces, when we can perhaps always reach out and fill the gap. I am
being led through YOUR life, Charo Lyn "tschai"
Dear Tschai, Delighted to have been your first love but I know I won't be your last. It
can be nice and even scary (sometimes both) to go home again. As for the poem, my
pleasure. It’s from my 1977 book “Hand in Hand.” All the best, Rod
Spaces
Spaces there are
that won’t be filled
not by remembering
or reaching.
Sometimes the distance
separating those who love
lies between them
in the same small bed.
And though the separation
Is but inches
It might as well be miles.
Distance is distance
and holding one the other
close
is arm’s length all the same.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Had a double treat
yesterday - I received your A Man Alone book, my Christmas present to me since your new
book isn't out yet. And I attended a Glenn Yarbrough concert here in Simi - I hoped you
might be in the audience but alas didn't see you - and I probably couldn't have missed you
since the theater only holds a little over 200. The program was The Forgotten Carols -
something different - was mostly spoken but he sang a few songs. If you get the chance to
see him perform, it is well worth the time. I had forgotten what a wonderful voice he has
- he reminded me a lot of you in both mannerisms and passion.
On to books - I thought that A Man Alone was the only book of yours I didn't have but I
was checking around on Amazon and there are some titles listed that I have not heard of so
thought I would check them out with you. I have a feeling at least 2 are albums but they
have them listed as books. The titles are "Here's Another Book, My friend,"
"The Will to Win, " "Lovers," "Rod McKuen at Carnegie Hall, Sold
Out," "Rod McKuen Omnibus" and "The World of Rod McKuen."
Thank you for the card and for signing A Man Alone -- STILL looking forward to you new
book!! Have a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous and BUSY New Year - hope to see you
out and about in 2000. Marilyn A Hopewell
Dear Marilyn, The first three books are from a series that Stanyan & Random House
issued together. While I had a hand in editing them, calling them "Rod McKuen
Books" is more than a little disingenuous of Amazon.
"Rod McKuen at Carnegie Hall: Sold Out" and "The World of Rod McKuen"
are both illustrated songbooks featuring words and music with piano arrangements and
guitar chords. Most of the photos in them aren’t available anywhere else.
The real hard to come by book is "The Rod McKuen Omnibus." It contains the
complete texts of "Listen to the Warm" "Stanyan Street & Other
Sorrows" and "Lonesome Cities" plus 12 additional poems. This collection
was only published in Great Britain.
I’m glad you got to see Glenn, wish I could have been there. He’s been touring
around California with his “Forgotten Carols” show and I hear it’s quite a
success. As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago when promoting his concert
“Glenn’s voice and Christmas songs are the perfect marriage.” All the best
and Happy Holiday’s. Rod
FEEDBACK: POETRY WORKSHOP
Dear Rod, Thank you again for
all your advice on my Poetry workshop. It was very well received. Everyone who came,
including two teachers, would like me to do it once a month. I started the workshop with
the audio "A Cat Named Sloopy" to see how everyone would react to such an
emotionally charged piece. I figured if anyone in the room was not in tears by the time in
ended, they did not belong in the room! We were all in tears. That set the mood and tone
for the rest of the program.
I had a full agenda planned, but only got three quarters of the way through, as everyone
was so excited with each segment, I just went with the flow. Your advice about
"reading" poetry in order to learn and understand it was much needed. During
introductions, at least three attendee's said that they did not read poetry, they only
write it. So, when I got to my agenda, I quoted your words, and pointed out the importance
of reading.
I talked about the importance of the delivery of a poem also. We did metaphor exercises,
thesaurus searching, and discussed keeping a journal, and the importance of writing
something everyday. I showed them how to incorporate color into their poetry, how to use
their senses, and how to choose the right words (Wren, rather than just bird). I quoted
from Shakespeare, Milton, and Petrach (who I enjoy) and of course McKuen, my favorite! I
may have gained you a few fans. as I gave out your web site address on my recommended
reading list. I ended it all with the audio "It's Raining".
We recited, read, shared, laughed and even cried together. I was afraid I wouldn't have
enough material to cover two hours, and it went over-time. I was well prepared, and it
paid off. Thank you for the advice, and for your wonderful inspiration.
By the way the subject came up of how tall you are, and Ann mentioned that you and I might
see eye to eye. (6ft.) I wondered if you like to dance? I never had a partner tall enough,
and I love to dance. Maybe in another life. Much Love and Happy Holidays to you and your
family. Affectionately, Randi
Dear Randi, Congratulations on the success of your Poetry Workshop. It sounds like quite a
hit.
Officially I'm 6.1 but that's 'vaporware' since I seldom stand up straight. As for
dancing, only break, tap, ballet and high wire. Alas, no ballroom. I'm kidding, of course,
can't do any of the above but I'm a thrill at standing still. Love, Rod
NO RESERVE
Hello, A long time ago,
25 years or so, I read a piece of your work that went something like “in loving you I
left no reserve” and continues on about not having anything left for the next love.
Would you be so kind as to supply the title and where I may find it? Thank you. Joyce
Kaufmann
Dear Joyce, I couldn’t place the lines you mentioned so I turned to Jay Hagan who
“knows all and tells almost all. Here’s his answer:
Good Morning Rod, Is this the
poem Joyce is looking for? It is from your "Caught in the Quiet" book.
twenty-six
In loving you
I've held back no reserve
and so I've nothing left
to give tomorrow's lover
when you go.
It is indeed, Jay, and thanks. Incidentally, Joyce, “Caught in the Quiet” can be
downloaded free by going to the “News” section of this site. It was my Christmas
gift to all of you last year. Thanks for writing. Cheers, Rod
ROADKILL
Hi, I am very much an
animal activist. There was something you wrote about how roadkill affected you. Can you
help me find out where it was written. My daughter disagrees with me she said Rod only
writes about love. Isn't concern for animals about love? All four of my children grew up
reading McKuen. In the late 60's and the most of the seventies. I never had to worry about
what to buy them for birthdays or Christmas. As long as it was McKuen, it was most
welcome. We are happy that we have found this site. Thanks. love Rose.
Dear Rose, You win. I’ve written a lot about animals in my work in fact it’s
pretty hard to find a book of mine that doesn’t contain one or more poems about our
four legged friends. Two of the most quoted are “Some Thoughts on Capitol
Punishment” from “Stanyan Street & Other Sorrows” and “Joy To The
World” from “Lonesome Cities.”
The line you’re asking about is from “On Borrowing” a poem in “Listen
to the Warm.” It reads “I know that animals help man when slaughtered on the
doctor’s couch, but dead dogs by the roadside stay with me for days.”
Affectionately, Rod
Join me tomorrow when Ken presents his weekly feature, “This One Does it for
Me.” Take care and sleep warm.
- RM 12/20/99 Previously unpublished |
