May 19: A Cool Thing, Poetry Editor, "Web" Dip

So, a really cool thing happened to me last night.  I went with a friend to a bonfire.  This bonfire was hosted by the managing editor of Passages North, the university's literary magazine.  It was a wonderful night of s'mores and chips and Milky Way candy bars.  Lots of grad students and creative writing teachers in attendance.

As I was eating my first of several Milky Ways, Jen, the managing editor/host (and a sweet, wonderful person to boot), said, "So, Marty, would you be my poetry editor?"

The current poetry editor for PN (and another great friend) is retiring.  I knew that was happening.  I've been the senior poetry editor at the magazine for the last three years.  It's been a great time.  I've had a hand in publishing a lot of great poetry, including work by Donald Hall and Norman Dubie.

I was humbled and thrilled by Jen's offer, and I accepted it.  Of course.  I'm not an idiot.  In the fall, I will officially be the Poetry Editor of Passages North.  I guess my title right now would be Poetry Editor-elect.  Or something like that.

My question for the Good Book of E. B. White this evening is:

Will I be a good Poetry Editor of PN?

And the answer from Charlotte is:

"Special announcement!" said the loud speaker in a pompous voice.  "The management of the Fair takes great pleasure in presenting Mr. Homer L. Zuckerman and his famous pig.  The truck bearing this extraordinary animal is now approaching the infield.  Kindly stand back and give the truck room to proceed!  In a few moments the pig will be unloaded in the special judging ring in front of the grandstand, where a special award will be made.  Will the crowd please make way and let the truck pass.  Thank you."

Well, there you have it.  If a pig can get a special award, Saint Marty can surely hold his own as Poetry Editor.  Even if Charlotte's not around to help with the proofreading.

Seal of Approval

July 10: Digression, Elinor Benedict Introduction, Public Speaking

…”It’s this course where each boy in class has to get up in class and make a speech.  You know.  Spontaneous and all.  And if the boy digresses at all, you’re supposed to yell ‘Digressions!’ at him as fast as you can.  It just about drove me crazy.  I got an F in it.”

Holden doesn’t seem to be a big fan of public speaking.  Or, at least, he’s not a fan of public speaking in which the speaker has to stay on topic and get to the point.  That doesn’t surprise me, since The Catcher in the Rye is one big, long digression in Holden’s life.

I have to do a little public speaking tonight.  At the Vista Theater in Negaunee, Michigan, I have to attend the ceremony at which the first U. P. Poet Laureate is going to be named.  There are five finalists, and I have been invited to introduce the poet for whom I voted.  Elinor Benedict.  I’ve never met Elinor Benedict in my life.  However, I know her poetry and her reputation.  She was the founding editor of Passages North magazine, and she’s won tons of honors and awards.  I could just stand up in front of the audience and read her vita, and she’d probably get a standing ovation.

I have never introduced a writer in my life.  I, myself, have been introduced many times at poetry readings.  However, I’ve never had to perform this particular task in all my years as a poet.  I just spent two hours working on my “impromptu” speech, and I think I feel comfortable enough now to get up in front of a group of strangers and talk.  My worry this Wednesday is that I’m going to make an idiot of myself in front of a large group of fellow poets, and they’re all going to stand up and yell “Digression!” at me.

I’ve never really feared public speaking.  I think pretty quickly on my feet.  I’m hoping that quality will serve me well this evening.  If it doesn’t, I’m going to throw myself off the stage into the orchestra pit.

Saint Marty is going to be much more relaxed at about 8 p.m. tonight when everything is over and done.

No digressions tonight, please

September 10: Fall Back Festival, New Cartoon, Autumn

It has been a gorgeous autumn day.  Yes, folks, I said autumn.  We can no longer delude ourselves.  Summer is over.  We are in the second week of September.  The kids are back in school.  The leaves are changing colors.  A few mornings this past week, there was actually frost on my windshield.  Of course, that can happen mid-July in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, but you get the idea.  It's Fall.

Tomorrow afternoon, Mitchell United Methodist Church in Negaunee is having its Fall Back Festival.  That means we're setting up tables and chairs and grills in the parking lot, renting a bounce house for the kids, and playing live praise music for a few hours.  If you want some free hot dogs and pop (soda, for those of you from Wisconsin) and some really good tunes, show up.

I spent most of the afternoon looking over poetry for Passages North, the literary magazine I help edit.  I actually enjoyed it.  Just talking about poetry makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.  It's like drinking gin and tonics all day without having to worry about a designated driver or a hangover.

By the way, I would like to welcome the newest follower of Saint Marty.  My friend, Linda, became official in the last 24 hours.  I may make my goal of having ten followers by Christmas.  I'm just happy to know that people are actually reading what I write.

Well, I have a new cartoon for you this evening.  Hope it makes you laugh.  Please, stop by Mitchell UMC tomorrow afternoon.  Get some free food.  Say "hi" to the handsome guy with the halo playing keyboard in the band.  You don't have to become a member of the church.  There will be no preaching.  It's just about hot dogs, music, and fellowship.

Saint Marty promises.

Confessions of Saint Marty