Hello, Bud! I love Taking Stock. You and Jeff did a wonderful job on the cover design; the front photo is beautiful and enigmatic, and "fear no art" says volumes. The poems themselves are another revelation from you. You share and expose yourself so completely it's a little like being inside your life. I wish I were closer; I'd enjoy some time over pancakes to ask you questions about the inspiration behind your verse. The ten lines of "Aftermath" alone could take a whole breakfast to devour. By the way, in the contest between "The Accountant and the Poet," I'll bet on the poet.
Rob Townsend, past artistic director, Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis
Hi Bud, Your latest e-mail gives me the chance, and a tardy reply it is, to tell you how meaningful Taking Stock meant to me. It's one of those works that one doesn't rush into, knowing that reality will smack you in the face, no matter how gentle a smack. I took it on a short vacation at the end of January, so I had time to let it sink in, not like my normal hectic pace. I found it profound in such a personal way for you, an open way that let me look at my own life and of course death. Thanks for being so real and so poetic at the same time.
Barry Liebman, co-owner Left Bank Books
I write you this with profound humility. Your great canvas of thought and words make all that is temporal so rich and important. I had forgotten the eloquence of single moments until you repainted them for me. Simple emotions which are so complex, delicate, and valuable. From wives to lives to strives you awaken all our common bonds. Thank you so very much for having the courage to expose and share who you are. Your poems bring light from the dark. Elegance that is unique to you. Bravo. Thanks for the special journey.
Chris Bent, high school classmate
Because you have been so honest and genuine in those poems, I imagine that anyone can find glimpses -- recognitions -- of his own life in them. I know I have! Among them ... I found almost exact parallels. In ¡¨Remnants¡¨ -- the house I grew up in, about three blocks from where I now live, burned down about five years ago and was shoveled away. And ¡§Accessory to the Second¡¨ shows the same mind set that has kept my signature to be John F. Joline III. My father always used to say that his father was John F. Joline, he was Jr. and I was III, no matter who was still living.
John F. Joline III, English Master, St. Louis Country Day School 1950-58
The poems in Stares to Other Places remind me that for every step forward there is a step back. The step back is to another time. Each happening today is part of a memory of yesterday and the day before. Hirsch's poems make me laugh and cry with memories of my own as well as with empathy for another person making his way in the world.
Ruth Andre, artist and teacher
I read (Roots and Paths) last night and was very touched. I admire your ability to process your experiences in such an intimate, open, creative - and at times, drolly funny way. Talk about a wonderful sense of basic trust! Your writing, phrasing, and "placement" of words and stanzas has grown over time and is sophisticated and very compelling. So, not only am I touched to have more glimpses of your thoughts, I am very impressed. It is also a different experience to see these all in a book, grouped together, as opposed to individually.
Marilyn Wechter, therapist
I read it last night before I went to bed all in one sitting. I love it. It is beautiful, simple, moving, and filled with moments of recognition for me: ¡¥oh yes, I know that feeling, that fear, that joy, that love.¡¦ I am so happy for you that you wrote something so wonderful and were able to take it to its conclusion. Incredibly satisfying.
Timi Near, Retired Artistic Director, San Jose Repertory Theatre
