It was a beautiful afternoon at California State University, Stanislaus yesterday. The reading in the library lounge was terrific...many students and faculty on hand; all seeming to care very much about poetry. Thanks again to Dr. Anthony Perrello and all who helped bring me to town. Now, Susan and I are looking forward to readings in the Los Angeles area sometime very soon. Stay tuned!

There's a new poetry anthology out, containing every possible way known to Man of speaking about the great Sinatra! It's edited by Gilbert Gigliotti, Professor and Chair in the Department of English at Central Connecticut State University. My poem "Swagger with Microphone, 1963" is included in the grouping. Here's more on this very entertaining and enlightening book:

Sinatra...but buddy, I'm a kind of poem

The evening had been long anticipated. The Fresno Art Museum crowd of nearly 200, with many having been turned away at the door, seemed ready to hear poetry from several of Philip Levine's former students, friends, and colleagues. This was a celebration of Phil's 80th birthday. Each of us read a poem of Phil's, followed by one of our own. My wife, the lovely SusanRG, took this unposed shot of the group--missing the man of the hour, alas--just after the reading had ended.

top row: Blas Manuel de Luna, Jon Veinberg, Dixie Salazar, Lawson Inada, Dewayne Rail, unknown photographer, Sam Pereira, David St. John, Glover Davis
front row: C. G. Hanzlicek, Sandra Hoben, B. H. Boston, Peter Everwine, Connie Hales, Suzanne Lummis, Jean Janzen

Poem just out in the new Salt River Review. Animals matter! This one is for Sonny *

I am honored to be among the 16 presenters at Philip Levine's 80th Birthday bash (West Coast version), taking place in the Bonner Auditorium of the Fresno Art Museum on February 7th at 7:30 p.m. Here's the web site:

Fresno Poets' Association