Poem Up at Silver Birch Press

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My poem “My Mother’s Ghost Sits Next to Me at the Hotel Bar” is live at Silver Birch Press. Many thanks to editor and publisher Melanie Villines for her continuing support. The poem was originally published inThe Lake, and is included in my first full-length book, Our Loveliest Bruises, forthcoming this fall from 3: A Taos Press.

30 thoughts on “Poem Up at Silver Birch Press”

  3. Dear Bob,

    I loved this when I read it on the page in *My Mother’s Ghost *and I love it on the screen now paired with the Diebenkorn. Man, but you get around! I wish I’d met your mom. Did she like Italy? Did she have girlfriends? Did she learn any Italian? * I’ve been in a stressed and somewhat oppressed phase at work. But I think/hope I’ve reached a plateau and am equilibrating to a healthier sense of caring enough but not so much that it impinges on my precious non-work time. * I am full of my signature basmati rice and french green lentil salad with cilantro and cumin vinaigrette, sprinkled with feta and toasted walnuts. Sipping lemon fizzy water. Wondering whether I’ll muster the energy to drive 50 miles each way after work to the annual CD Wright memorial lecture in Providence.

    Anne Lamott is reading on Thursday. (Do you have a taste for her? Her *Bird by Bird *and *Operating Instructions *were good company in my dissertation writing, expectancy, and young motherhood.)

    I hope you are resting well when you are resting. And not fretfully.

    Oh! Today was your scan.

    Including results? I am hoping for all the best that can be hoped for. And peace no matter what.

    with love, Lida

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  8. I left a comment there, but I will repeat my testimony to the magic of your words. You capture the very air we breathe. And I look forward to that book (hopefully with Scarecrow in residence…) (K)

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  9. Hi Bob. I loved this poem the first time I read it. Not just because I am a little obsessed with trying to write the best poem about my own mom. It is so real that I know her. I can smell her cigarette.

    Allbest, your friend—

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    • Thank you! I’m excited about the book. It’s the culmination of many years’ work, and I am particularly grateful to poet Veronica Golos who encouraged me and put me into contact with the publisher, and to my wife, Stephanie L. Harper, whose wisdom, love and strength has sustained and nourished me through some difficult days. I am a lucky man to have such support.

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      • Well then, not only do you deserve it, due to your dedication, talent and determination, but Veronica, and your wife, Stephanie also deserve special acknowledgement, for they have been a pivotal part of your journey. They have been a compelling, quintessential bridge upon which you could cross from there to here, from poet to first-full-length-book poet. Props ladies 🙂

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