Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Four Stories About Mark Strand
1. Mark Strand is on an elevator at a literary event. A woman boards the elevator and suggests she wants to give him a blowjob. He considers her offer for a moment and says "But what's in it for me?"
2. Mark Strand talks to college students about inspiration. He says that in the morning, he thinks of "happy Mr. Snowflake" and then starts writing. Some time later, he publishes Blizzard of One and wins the Pulitzer Prize. Later yet, at a gathering, one of the former college students mentions how cute it is that happy Mr. Snowflake became Blizzard of One. Mark Strand's attention has been wandering, but suddenly his eyes snap into focus. "Oh no, you mustn't ever tell anyone about that," he says.
3. Mark Strand is on a poetry panel. During the time he isn't speaking, he doodles on a notepad. What is he sketching? Self-portraits. No mirror is present.
4. Mark Strand is at a writing conference. A young woman is introduced to him--his eyes sparkle. The young woman gushes "Oh, Mr. Strand, I'm so happy to meet you. My mother studied with you." Mark Strand's face begins to collapse. The young woman continues: "And she says you used to look like a movie star!"
2. Mark Strand talks to college students about inspiration. He says that in the morning, he thinks of "happy Mr. Snowflake" and then starts writing. Some time later, he publishes Blizzard of One and wins the Pulitzer Prize. Later yet, at a gathering, one of the former college students mentions how cute it is that happy Mr. Snowflake became Blizzard of One. Mark Strand's attention has been wandering, but suddenly his eyes snap into focus. "Oh no, you mustn't ever tell anyone about that," he says.
3. Mark Strand is on a poetry panel. During the time he isn't speaking, he doodles on a notepad. What is he sketching? Self-portraits. No mirror is present.
4. Mark Strand is at a writing conference. A young woman is introduced to him--his eyes sparkle. The young woman gushes "Oh, Mr. Strand, I'm so happy to meet you. My mother studied with you." Mark Strand's face begins to collapse. The young woman continues: "And she says you used to look like a movie star!"
Comments:
<< Home
Steve:
I have a feeling I have told you this story before.
I was at a reading, where I happened to be speaking with the coordinator and the main event. The conversation led to Mark Strand. The guest reader, who worked with Strand at the time (U of U days) said the following about Mark Strand:
"Mark Strand thinks there are only 10 living poets in the United States anyone should be reading, and Strand thinks he's two of them."
I have a feeling I have told you this story before.
I was at a reading, where I happened to be speaking with the coordinator and the main event. The conversation led to Mark Strand. The guest reader, who worked with Strand at the time (U of U days) said the following about Mark Strand:
"Mark Strand thinks there are only 10 living poets in the United States anyone should be reading, and Strand thinks he's two of them."
Aha, so that's how you win the Pulitzer Prize...
For some reason, these stories make me think of something I read once about James Dickey. According to what I read (can't remember where I read it now), when someone told Dickey the news that the poet John Berryman had just committed suicide, Dickey is reported to have said, "That means I'm the greatest living American poet."
For some reason, these stories make me think of something I read once about James Dickey. According to what I read (can't remember where I read it now), when someone told Dickey the news that the poet John Berryman had just committed suicide, Dickey is reported to have said, "That means I'm the greatest living American poet."
You know, you could probably write a poem this way. Unless, of course, this was a poem, but I don't think that it was. You didn't use your jpeg format.
How about "Four Stories About Billy Collins?" or "Four Stories About Jake York" or "Four Stories about Conrad Aiken."
I wonder how those would read.
I love this kind of stuff. I'm such a poetry fan-boy.
Post a Comment
How about "Four Stories About Billy Collins?" or "Four Stories About Jake York" or "Four Stories about Conrad Aiken."
I wonder how those would read.
I love this kind of stuff. I'm such a poetry fan-boy.
<< Home
