Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Russell Libby: Rest in Peace

Portrait of Russell Libby by Robert Shetterly, from his Americans Who Tell The Truth collection.


This morning, it comes: a dull, heavy blow that Russell Libby has died. I'm having a hard time expressing the admiration I had for this man and poet, so I'll let his words stand in stead.


Just as the Inuit have many words for snow,
in some forgotten language
there is a word for the sound of the south wind
as it pushes across the tops of the ashes
and catches in the pine trees just beyond.


The poem comes from his wonderful chapbook, Moments. More from the book and on Russell may be found here.


--------------------------




mountain temple--
deep under snow
a bell
 Issa
 translated by David G. Lanoue 





best,
Don 

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6 comments:

Charles Gramlich said...

What a rough year for poets. Sorry to hear this.

Rachael Stanley said...

What a beautiful poem, I love those lines:

'there is a word for the sound of the south wind
as it pushes across the tops of the ashes
and catches in the pine trees just beyond'

May he rest in peace. Rachael Stanley

Anonymous said...

So sad. I went back to read your post from May, last year. What a heart, soul this poet had.
Mary Ahearn

Issa's Untidy Hut said...

Thank you, Charles.

Issa's Untidy Hut said...

Yes, Rachael, Russell captures it perfectly. Look for another post on him tomorrow. He is much on my mind.

Don

Issa's Untidy Hut said...

Mary ... thanks. More on Russell tomorrow.

Don