I would just like you to know that I love your poetry. I randomly stumbled across your book “Climates of the Mind” in a small bookstore in Mendocino, and it has since given me more insight and comfort then a mere thank you can contain. Walking around in a world filled with apathy, seeing so many eyes that see but do not see, little moments of joy … Read more with insight that feels authentic really does do a mind good. When I am no longer a starving college student, subsisting on mere Top Ramin and scraps, perhaps I will buy more of your books. Also, I would like to invite you, if you are interested, to read your poetry in Davis. There is an open mike here in town (recently featured Kim Addonizio if you know of her) the first and third Tuesdays of every month from 9:30 to 11 pm. Needless to say, I hope my words give you comfort, as your poetry has given me. Also, I hope you don’t mind if I stole a quote of yours for my profile.
February 20, 2009
Hello Alexander Crawford,
I much appreciate your letting me know that you derived insight and comfort from my 1st book “Climates of the Mind” (published 30 years ago).
I’ve just begun to re-read DH Lawrence’s “The Rainbow” first published in 1915. His unique, perceptive and futuristic novel contains an essence quite lost in our accelerated and gadget – driven times. Its most inspirational to re-realize that literature, music & art can transcend the boundaries of time.
You sound unusual in your sensibilities and I encourage you to care for that essential part of you.
Thanks again for your inspiring note.
Are you majoring in literature? What quote did you steal?
Yours in spirit,
Carolyn Kleefeld
P.S. Thanks also for mentioning the Davis open mic – If I’m ever there I’ll check into it.
The Rainbow? I shall add that to my reading list… Unfortunately, that list is rather long currently as I have lots to read and little time to do so.
I recently finished a book entitled “the Dark Light” by Mette Newth a rather obscure novel I foster no small love for… it is based on a girl who contracts Leprosy in the 1800’s, and though it is set in an age far removed from our own, the power of the story and the nobility and resilience of the human spirit it presented brought me to tears. Though I know you only through your book and this message, I think it is a novel you would very much enjoy.
I am currently pursuing a double major in Philosophy and applied physics actually, with a minor in music if I can fit it in. But I love literature, and am a budding spoken-word poet. I tagged you in a poem I recently wrote that I posted on face book if you are interested in reading some of my youthful musings. I would love your input… though I must say, a good deal of my poetry sounds much better when read, as a good portion of the message lies in how it is presented, something not captured by words on paper.
as for the quote, “I feel I am entitled
to choose the environment of my mind
not allow it to become a city dump for other people’s trash”
I very much love that quote and feel rather connected with it.
thank you very much for your response, as an eclectic philosophy major who dabbles in Tibetan Buddhism and soars with the spirits of many cultures, I have fostered a love for connections with people and am always available for discussions. feel free to send me a message anytime on any subject, and I promise to provide a thoughtful response that hints at a soul older perhaps then my age might suggest.
Alexander Crawford
February 20
