Mary, I believe you have just opened up Robert Hass to me in a new way. I have a copy of Human Wishes around here somewhere, but I don't open it very often, and I think that's because the prosody doesn't sparkle for me. But I love your point about imperfect forms. Yes, that makes good sense. And I'm noticing now that Hass has the five-word gift. I wonder how many more phrases I'll find like these when I go looking: "the texture of cold rivers"; "die young, fail at love." Tomorrow I'm going on a hunt for my copy! Thank you for writing this so beautifully and convincingly for the Hope Library!
Loving, being in love, and being lonely are all privileges I cherish; all are my feelings, after all.
Bill, I so share those thoughts--and poetry reaches, especially Hass's, reaches me deeply.
My goodness... How do I always forget??? Hass is such a FULL meal.
Ah, yes. I own all his books—and met hime once: quite an anecdote--you remind me:. See this note:
https://substack.com/profile/36583519-mary-l-tabor/note/c-96418560
Delicious! Thank you, Mary, for introducing us to Robert Hass and some prosody (among other poetry words) 💗🙏
Veronika, I'm so glad you read this: Lovely.
Mary, I believe you have just opened up Robert Hass to me in a new way. I have a copy of Human Wishes around here somewhere, but I don't open it very often, and I think that's because the prosody doesn't sparkle for me. But I love your point about imperfect forms. Yes, that makes good sense. And I'm noticing now that Hass has the five-word gift. I wonder how many more phrases I'll find like these when I go looking: "the texture of cold rivers"; "die young, fail at love." Tomorrow I'm going on a hunt for my copy! Thank you for writing this so beautifully and convincingly for the Hope Library!
Oh, Tara, you made my evening before I sleep. Thank you for this marvel of a project!
Thank you for making time to improve my reading of Human Wishes!
Five words (from Robert Hass):
[Angels' hair] "the texture of cold rivers" or "die young; fail at love"
Mary, what a spectacular poem. I am struck by the pleasingly unexpected use of "wherewith" (among many other things).
Indeed, Rona. Love to you!