Author Information
Epigram On James Dickey's Remarks
[after reading his remarks about Wallace Stevens' poetry]
Really? You said that to disparage Stevens?
To students? Just what were you thinking, Jim?
No scholar, your opinion was a whim.
Or did you think that your assertion evens
the score?---thinking you could compete with him?
How can a falsifier's travesty
compete with splendors of true poetry?
Oh, now I understand your purpose: when in
doubt of your power, follow "Comrade" Lenin:
and tell the people waiting a big lie:
they will fall flat for it---you will get by.
Starward
[jlc]
