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TDR Letter

December 6, 2003

Subject: Tom Henihan's "Poetry Readings - Stand Up and be Counted"

Hello, Mr. Henihan:

You clearly have a thorn up between the cheeks of your posterior. And, one could go on at length, as you have, yet its best to say it quicker; which I will do but you did not:

Despite the seriousness of keeping faith, vis a vis your church analogy, and the serious demands placed upon one who wishes to practise well their chosen religion,

I cannot help but think God, in fact, might just be having a good laugh at funny chants in church etc etc. Remember, at least one emissary he sent became famous for upsetting the status quo. God judges less harshly than we do..... I hope! So, we too, might follow that example. Tolerance, gentle guiding, or, perhaps better yet, plain ignoring.

Now, let me be blunt. For the sake of your own sanity lighten up. Rant and rave if you must, but first, please tug out that infernal thorn that causes you to be so ornery, and, examine the source of your discontent. You will be a) a better person for it; b) a kinder judge of poems, prose & people; c) perhaps even become a better poet. For you will have burnished yourself a whit by acknowledging something that festers away within.

Having said all that.... no doubt you have made legitimate claims; however, I daresay one might detect your own personality in the "...charismatic poets...basking in the glow of their own charms..." and all phrases (accusations??) of similar tone.

bastiaan wever
 

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