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Well, the day arrived and it actually happened. For those of you who don't know Huff (Albert Huffstickler), it may seem hardly imaginable or, worse, a local recognition of a minor talent. A city proclamation for a small press poet 11 years after his passing?
On receiving the proclamation via email, I wrote the following to the folks in Austin who made this happen.
Elzy
Cogswell, of the Austin Poetry Society, informed me that if someone else
didn't get to it before him, he would be reading it among the other
tributes to Huff.
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Lovely - I'm misting up, and so very proud of Huff and his accomplishment.
As you all know, whether with words or his simple presence, the most important thing he accomplished is Huff touched the hearts of those he met and those who read his work very deeply, indeed.
There is no greater accomplishment for a poet, none, and no greater accomplishment for a human being.
I do not say this lightly - in his compassion and caring for the suffering and joy of others, Huff was something of an American Bodhisattva.
At least that's the way I will always think of him.
And, of course, as a great poet.
Thanks so much to all of you for your dedication and resolve and obvious returning of love back to its source.
Lilliput Review has had quite a few accomplishments over the years. Being listed on this proclamation I will always cherish as the greatest.
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In loving memory of Albert Huffstickler and Susie Bowers.
Issa
translated by David G. Lanoue
best,
Don
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8 comments:
the line in his poem:
"All these spaces have to be used"
and seeing me along-for-the-ride
over on the left ...
well, I too,
.... misty-eyed.
the 'touching' ...
inside and outside of
what is written is
everything
K.
awesome! Huff and Wentworth!
A loving tribute. And thank you, Don, for introducing me to this wonderful poet - can't believe that I had never heard of him, but ...
I think "an American bodhisattva "is just right. Compassion in poetry as in life,one and the same.
Mary
A little closer than 1000 miles away and I so would've attended this well-deserved appreciation ceremony. Every time I read "Huff" I learn a little more how to be a person, a poet. Thanks for raising my awareness to a poet I had never heard of before Lilliput and this blog.
Koki-san -
everything, indeed - souls passing via space and time - so much to say, words hardly match up.
Don
Thanks, Daryl ...
Nice to know, Mary, that his words just keep resonating all these years later. A poet's dream ... for a small press poet, almost the impossible dream.
"Compassion in poetry as in life,one and the same." This IS it.
Don
Peter:
The magic of Huff is that he comes through the words so he seems to be sitting there right with you, having a conversation, and when you speak, you can hear his reply.
Don
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