So love that it’s hard for you to say goodbye. Listening to and watching you always feels like spending precious time with a dear friend even though we don’t know one another. Thank you.
I’m late listening snd commenting on the Brodsky reading because I’ve been off organizing and strategizing about how and where to house banned book libraries here in Florida. I seem
to remember that Brodsky said there are worse things than burning books and one is not reading them. Well, I guess it’s good to think that something is worse than what is going on here now—effectively sweeping social and literary history under the boot of a tyrannical governor so that books are taken from children. You probably think why don’t people leave this state, with its flourishing fascism. But I want you to know that there are so many creative, thinking, strategizing people here, figuring out how to protect beloved books from De Santis—well, it’s kind of marvelous that such imagination can flourish under pressure—that there is creativity and joy in resistance.
I am inspired by your reading of Brodsky —the depth of feeling you evoke, your love of each word, your perfect tempo and tone. Thank you for this gift—Brodsky via Walcott via Smith. What a holy Trinity. Thank you.
Dear Mrs. Smith, I don't want to appear off-topic, I probably do, so apologies for that, it's kinda errant, but as I was redirected to the "Poetic Outlaws", today they shared "Why I write" by Julia Vinograd. I instantly thought about your book "Devotion: Why I write" - well pretty obvious one might say (and did remember the Smithposium process, too, I guess). One day, if you feel like it of course, that would be a book I'd be interested to hear about from you (sure, not the end), I really enjoy your readings. Just me thinking. Thank you.
As it is hard for you to say goodbye from where I sit I must agree. I could watch you needlepoint all day! I just find you calming. As a psychotherapist that once was mistaken for you, I can only hope that my clients find me even a smidge (smidgen ??) as soothing as I find you!
listening to you reading the Brodsky poem yesterday as the snow was falling seemed somehow fitting and a welcome distraction on a difficult day. Reading all the comments and being part of this Substack community is truly a beautiful thing ! A poet many years ago wrote me a letter on Japanese rice paper and in it she said ‘there are more of us than you think’. She was right ! Thank you as always Patti !
Hellooo Patti, I have to be honest, I didn’t understand the poem but I loved the way you read it. Maybe I did understand it on some other level.
I have just finished watching “Under the Queens umbrella”
Wow ! the twists and turns, the wonderful costumes, the beautiful way it was captured on film was extraordinary. It was funny and sad, the actors faces told the story as much as the dialogue. Thank you for recommending it, I loved it!
I will endeavour to listen to the poem again, maybe it’s like a painting, some just make you feel good even though you don’t understand it, I guess that’s art
May I be so forward as to request more Uncle Wiggly, I miss that treat!
Love that pic of Michael and You !!!!
Iconic picture of you! Love it!
The irony... 😂😂😂 love you as well as Michael Stipe! I went to REM’s last show in Brazil many years ago. It was thrilling!
So love that it’s hard for you to say goodbye. Listening to and watching you always feels like spending precious time with a dear friend even though we don’t know one another. Thank you.
That poem was beyond my wee brain but I love your tangents, so it’s all good.
I’m late listening snd commenting on the Brodsky reading because I’ve been off organizing and strategizing about how and where to house banned book libraries here in Florida. I seem
to remember that Brodsky said there are worse things than burning books and one is not reading them. Well, I guess it’s good to think that something is worse than what is going on here now—effectively sweeping social and literary history under the boot of a tyrannical governor so that books are taken from children. You probably think why don’t people leave this state, with its flourishing fascism. But I want you to know that there are so many creative, thinking, strategizing people here, figuring out how to protect beloved books from De Santis—well, it’s kind of marvelous that such imagination can flourish under pressure—that there is creativity and joy in resistance.
I am inspired by your reading of Brodsky —the depth of feeling you evoke, your love of each word, your perfect tempo and tone. Thank you for this gift—Brodsky via Walcott via Smith. What a holy Trinity. Thank you.
I love this photo (you are so in sync) and this book! I also love Michael Stipe's photo book of your tour.
hope you never say goodbye
Beautiful minds
Huge love from Italy❤️
Great photo of you and Michael!
Did uncle wiggly end?
Dear Mrs. Smith, I don't want to appear off-topic, I probably do, so apologies for that, it's kinda errant, but as I was redirected to the "Poetic Outlaws", today they shared "Why I write" by Julia Vinograd. I instantly thought about your book "Devotion: Why I write" - well pretty obvious one might say (and did remember the Smithposium process, too, I guess). One day, if you feel like it of course, that would be a book I'd be interested to hear about from you (sure, not the end), I really enjoy your readings. Just me thinking. Thank you.
As it is hard for you to say goodbye from where I sit I must agree. I could watch you needlepoint all day! I just find you calming. As a psychotherapist that once was mistaken for you, I can only hope that my clients find me even a smidge (smidgen ??) as soothing as I find you!
listening to you reading the Brodsky poem yesterday as the snow was falling seemed somehow fitting and a welcome distraction on a difficult day. Reading all the comments and being part of this Substack community is truly a beautiful thing ! A poet many years ago wrote me a letter on Japanese rice paper and in it she said ‘there are more of us than you think’. She was right ! Thank you as always Patti !
Hellooo Patti, I have to be honest, I didn’t understand the poem but I loved the way you read it. Maybe I did understand it on some other level.
I have just finished watching “Under the Queens umbrella”
Wow ! the twists and turns, the wonderful costumes, the beautiful way it was captured on film was extraordinary. It was funny and sad, the actors faces told the story as much as the dialogue. Thank you for recommending it, I loved it!
I will endeavour to listen to the poem again, maybe it’s like a painting, some just make you feel good even though you don’t understand it, I guess that’s art
May I be so forward as to request more Uncle Wiggly, I miss that treat!
Many thanks
Jayne