Levine and Kumanyakaa
Matthew_Stevenson@baylor.edu
Thu, 25 Mar 1999 21:35:37 -0600
I just got back from seeing Philip Levine and Yusef Kumanyakaa give readings
of their poetry. Kumanyakaa I must admit to never having heard of before, but
he was great. He has this great voice that's all deep rhythms and Lousiana
backwater layered with Australia and New Jersey and Vietnam jungle sounds.
Levine was absolutely wonderful. He was warm and funny and powerful--like
Woody Allen, Kurt Vonnegut and Patrick Henry all rolled into one. (Or Scottie
if he could ever play nice.) If anyone ever has a chance to see him, take
advantage. One thing that stuck in my head was: "Every American poet is
assigned 3 fans. After many years of struggle and turmoil he may earn 3 more,
at which time he is eligible for the Pulitzer. Which he might win if he can
get his 6 fans on the panel."
He also made several witty disparaging comments about Waco, which really is as
depressing and ugly as he said. Although he admitted Fresno isn't much
better. Nor is Hyde Park, Michigan (he said).
Just sharing a wonderful experience,
Matt Stevenson