Journal of a Sabbatical

October 2, 1999

LCK!

Today's Starting Pitcher: Ramón Martinez

Today's Reading: Danube by Claudio Magris, The Portable Beat Reader edited by Ann Charters

Words written in stone. They'll last at least as long as the Merrimack flows. Maybe longer.

David Amram reading at the "Commemorative at the Commemorative" in Kerouac Park this morning.

Steve Eddington officiated. Other readers were Regina Weinreich, Joyce Johnson, and Paul Marion.

David Amram accompanying Paul Marion as he reads from "Nothing", an early essay by Jack Kerouac to be published in the collection Atop an Underwood coming in November.

While I was listening to Kerouac's incredibly mature insight into the nature of nothingness, I noticed that stalagmites are forming under the benches. A cormorant flew over our heads. A motorcycle roared by.

Steve Eddington read from his new book on Kerouac's Nashua connections and his Quebec roots, at the Whistler House. The Parker Gallery wasn't totally full for him, but filled up and then some for Paul Marion and friends reading from Atop an Underwood.

They had an actual Underwood as a prop. Alas not Jack's.

It reminded me of the Smith Corona I took apart when I was nine, which interrupted the writing of my first novel (on blue onion skin paper).

One of Paul's friends who is a photographer was asking me about the Mavica digital camera. It was the first one he'd seen. I told him it's not as good resolution as film.

I finally found Tom and Julie and was able to sit with them for Paul's readings and the Regina Weinreich/Joyce Johnson reading/discussion.

Robert Creeley listening to Joyce Johnson at the Whistler House.

Tonight's reading/concert by Robert Creeley and David Amram brought my total love of the rhythm of words to the surface. I am grateful there continues to be poetry in the world.