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Rod & Sunny: Photo by Bob Gentry
8/5/1999
A Thought for Today
If all the world's a stage, try to get decent seats.
More questions, more answers.
THE VOICES
I'm one of those thousands fans who fell in love more deeply because I read your every word and listened to those wonderful poems with the San Sebastian Strings. Who was that narrator whose voice was so deep and inviting? I thought I would never forget that name. I didn't know what had happened to you, but I have kept your name out there for 28 years as an English teacher trying hard to inspire 14 years olds to feel what I felt. Your writings have been more than one journal starter. Thanks for all the memories. In the love of poetry Nancy Gilliam
Dear Nancy, Your efforts to "keep my name out there" are much appreciated. It's people like yourself who give me the courage and the need to express myself in a world where poetry, however important it is to all our lives, is not the most popular means of communication. I'm also pleased that you encourage your students to keep journals. You and I know how important that is.
Over the years there have been several voices for The San Sebastian Strings albums. The voice of "The Sea," "Home to the Sea" and "The Soft Sea" was that of the multi-talented singer, actor Jesse Pearson. Gene Merlino, one of the Anita Kerr Singers, read the words for "The Sky" and it's me you hear on "The Earth" and eight other San Sebastian Strings albums, including "With Love" and the four disc set "The Seasons."
No discussion of The San Sebastian Strings would be complete without mentioning the evocative music by Anita Kerr that inspired so many of the words I wrote for the series.
Thanks again, Nancy, most of all for devoting your life to teaching. Love, Rod
HER FATHER'S DAUGHTER
Hi Rod, What is your take on the comments from Tina Sinatra on her TV interview this past weekend? Just curious. Wes
Dear Wes, I loved Frank and still do, I know his children and have great affection and respect for all three of them. And, for different reasons. Each of them is as different from one another as possible, given they have the same parents. Nancy, Frank Jr. and Tina are each in their own way as complex, though hopefully not as tormented, as their dad. Oddly enough I met all three independent of Frank and appreciate them for what they are as people and not just Frank's kids. They are successful as caring and productive human beings and in their individual careers. They are as fiercely protective of their father and his memory as they should be.
I met Barbara after she married Frank. I got to know her through visiting Frank before and after he became ill. I saw the 60 Minutes interview with Tina but I haven't yet read her book (I hope to do so this week) and I'd prefer withholding any comment until after I've done so. I do know Tina well enough not to expect her to exaggerate. Cheers, Rod
ANOTHER SOFT LANDING
Rod, I was a daily faithful to your
site when I found it May 15, 1998 through December 22, 1998. I found your sight quite by accident that first time while "surfing" things regarding the passing of Ol' Blue Eyes. I had not heard about you in years to find out you were alive and well brought me such joy during a time when I found myself feeling so sad at the loss of another favorite, Frank Sinatra.
I was born in 1960 (I often think I was born in the wrong era ... much too late for my taste in certain things) and you were one of my Maman's favorites (actually you still are) and became one of my favorites while I was growing up. In fact yours was the only poetry I referred to growing up.
I have listened to your albums my entire life. In fact I had found your 25th Anniversary CD for the Sold Out April 29, 1969 at Carnegie Hall about 6 month before I found your website. I am actually on my 3rd CD as I have "worn out" the previous 2. It will always be my favorite, although I can't think of anything I have heard by you I don't like.
Well in spite of being an avid listener since I moved from California to Nashville in December 1998 I am afraid I haven't visited the
site but a maybe handful or 2 of times. Work and life can get so busy and hectic. I do like to seek refuge in listening to music as I always have even at work.
Today I put in your CD listening while I was working (I actually listen to it on regular basis). I program the CD Player on "repeat" and it just plays over and over, after all with phone calls etc you can't always here the entire thing in one sitting. Something hit me today while I listened and so I decided to find seek out A Safe Place to Land. After a little
exploring of the site I was hit with the realization WOW have I missed a lot! But not anymore after today.
After viewing today's "Flight Plan" I checked out the Unpublished Poetry and read "Age is better" I turned 40 in May and
absolutely related to it. Once again you have captured my soul just as
you have for most of my life.
Anyway, after reading a few entries here and there I just wanted to sit here and say thank you for all of the beautiful memories I associate with your name and your work. Thank you for the joy & smiles your poetry and music have brought to my life; for the strength I have found in the words you
have written during difficult days; for the thoughts you have caused me to ponder; for being you and so willing to share it with those of us who are hear to listen.
I would also like to tell you that every time I listen to your music it never ceases to amaze me how some much of what you have written more than 30 years ago is still so relevant today i.e. "The Things Men Do". Or how I can laugh about the "Spiro Agnew book" and I admit right or wrong I cant' help but smile at "The Complete Madame Butterfly" and "Do It Yourself Protest Songs & Don't' Ban the Bomb" cuts. I have heard these probably at least 1,000 times if not more in my life and never tire of them.
I read a few entries about the possibility of touring and mentioning of Glenn Yarbrough (Maman was raised on him too) and that his daughter lives in Nashville. I never had the opportunity to see you perform so given the long friendship with the Yarbrough family I hope that when you do start
drafting your touring plans that Nashville will be one of your stops there are so many venues here that I think would suit you. ROD McKuen LIVE AT THE RYMAN has a nice ring to it!
Well I will close now thank you for your time. I quite enjoyed many of your humor entries from readers so in case you haven't already seen this list of actual classified ads that have been placed I thought I'd tack it on and perhaps bring you at least one smile as a small token of thanks from me for all of the smiles your brought me. As Always, Gayeliene
Dear Gayellene, Thanks for the Kind words. I've played Ryman, when it was The Grand 'Ol Opry and I loved it. In fact I have an unissued recording of the concert. What an audience I had that night, everyone from Roy Acuff to Minnie Pearl. I'd love to play the Ryman again.
During that trip to Nashville I spent several days antique hunting with Minnie. One of the nicest and sweetest women ever.
I'm glad you appreciate the humor in some of my work. As for "Age is Better," I just finished writing music to use behind it for my new CD.
Thanks for sticking with me all these years, Gayeliene and welcome back to ASPTL. Warmly, Rod
CAMERA
Dear Mr. McKuen, You have made me very happy and rewarded by your poetry through the years - thank you.
In one of your poems you have a line "I winked her in to permanence". Can you please tell me what poem that was and if it is available on your web site. Thank you, Martin Rubin Verona, New Jersey
Dear Martin, The line you're referring to is "Your camera winks me into permanence" it's from "Camera" which appears in the book Stanyan Street & Other Sorrows and on the CD Speaking of Love. Thanks for asking, Martin. Here's the poem. Rod.
Camera
Look at me.
I stand just so.
Your camera winks me into permanence
acne scars... tired eyes... wrinkles on my forehead
more naked than I have ever been
(especially to one I love so very much).
I used to be afraid to look completely real
the sun was just my friend sometimes
when brown from sea and sky made things all right
always afraid to be anything but young
and envying beauty
even on the face of strangers.
Is this what growing up means?
the reality of lighting over public mirrors
Or is my confidence in love so great
that I worry not
to let you see me at my worst?
SMOKING
Good Morning Rod, On the album The Loner you talk about writing The Lonely Things and that you had run out of
cigarettes ... in Stanyan Street you say 'three cigarettes later'... does this mean that you once smoked? Waterfalls and Covered Bridges, Jay
Dear Jay, Thank God any smoking I did was purely affectation. Like lots of other dummies, for about five minutes I thought it looked cool. So, I never had to kick the habit, just wise up a little.
RODS & BUMPERS
Dear Rod: OK--listening for the 1000 time to the "Loner". I know what a "rod" is but what is a "bumper"? A railroad term? You must educate us. Thanks. Love, Nan
Dear Nan, Concerning 'rods' and 'bumpers' in "The Loner," the terms mean freight trains and eight wheeler trucks.
A friend of mine has a cat named Bumper, which reminds me, I haven't yet had a chance to congratulate you on the two new additions to your family "Sloopy" and "Little Dwight." Glad you chose 'American Short Hairs' from
the pound. As ever, Rod
WILL SOLD OUT ITEMS BECOME AVAILABLE AGAIN?
The Stanyan website shows many "Sold Out" items. Will they be available again? I am especially interested in a copy of "The Sea" in CD. Thx - John Sleeper
Dear John, In most cases once an item on Stanyan By Mail is sold out, that's it. That's why Dwight urges people to pay attention when a new item is listed. In the case of "The Sea," at the moment Warner Bros. Has no current plans to issue it again. Anita and I are doing everything possible to effect a release of the Complete Trilogy. Thanks for asking, Rod
A NAVY MOTHER WRITES
Thank you for your site.. I am a single Mother with children scattered and a love life in tatters. My son is in the Navy and my heart is afraid for him after the news of the USS Cole.
After hearing the news and seeing the bereaved parents I turned on the computer to read your peace and love. My
other two children are in college far away and I fear for their safety as well. Your site brings peace, love and logic to my otherwise hectic and chaotic life. Thanks! and thanks. Susan
Biggerstaff, Greenville, N.C.
Dear Susan, I don't think a mother ever stops worrying about her children, whatever
their age or wherever they are. We live in an ever-increasing violent and unpredictable world.
All of us were deeply affected by what happened to the USS Cole and our hearts and love go out to those who gave their lives and to the survivors and servicemen everywhere who serve and protect us.
If you can get some solace here, please come often. I'll try not to ever let you down.
Affectionately, Rod
I ALWAYS KNEW
Mr. McKuen, Thank you for the years of pleasure and for this site. I just finished I Always Knew and I find it breathtaking.
Once again, thank you for getting me through some pain and for providing a glimpse into your heart. Laura L. Frazer
Dear Laura, I'm pleased you like "I Always Knew" and I hope you'll greet the forthcoming book it's from with the same enthusiasm. That reminds me, it's about time I added some more new poetry to this site.
As for 'getting you through some pain,' that's what we're all here for, to help each other. Affectionately, Rod
TOMATOES
Hi Rod, It's been 7,212 days since I last saw you at The Other End in New York City. (but who's counting?) And in 21 days I'll once again see you walk out on stage. Life is good! And, just when I thought it couldn't get any better; my tomatoes look the best they have all summer.
Praise the Lord and pass the basil. Love, Ann
Dear Ann, Just don't bring any of those tomatoes with you to the performance. Love, Rod
A CHRISTMAS PRESENT
Dear Mr. McKuen, I met my husband 28 years ago (married 24 yrs.). It was a family joke that David would lie around listening to The Sea, The Sky and The Earth. His sister even took a picture of him lying on the floor communing with your music. (I have that picture today). Maybe I should explain, David was a construction worker at the time, he now is a Building Inspector.
At Christmas this year I was racking my brain for an unusual gift for him and surfing the web, came across your name. Lightening struck...could I possibly get a CD of any of these? I accessed your web site and nearly fell off my chair. There it was...The Sea! I immediately ordered it and could hardly wait for it to arrive. He was as thrilled as I to receive it. So much so he went out and purchased a new system just to enjoy you. We lit candles and laid on floor just as we did so many years ago. It was like reliving our dating days all over again.
How can I thank you enough for the chance to share fond memories? I beg you please, please release The Sky and The Earth on CD!!!
We have even turned our 20-year-old son onto your music and poetry. He is somewhat of a poet himself and was shocked to find out his dad had such a love of poetry too.
Looking forward to seeing you in concert soon. You will be in the Midwest right? I guarantee we will be there. Sincerely, Carol Swanstrom, Niles, Michigan
Dear Carol, Your letter has been 'hanging around' my in box for too long and I apologize for not getting to it sooner. It was such a thoughtful one that I wanted to wait till I had a little time to give it a proper answer. So many parents write and tell me how they've passed along my poetry to their children, in a land where 'hip-hop' is king it gives me great hope.
I'm racing the clock to get my next CD out before Christmas, so that might solve your gift giving problem this year
but it's such an ambitious project that I have my fingers crossed. I may end up rushing something else
to fill the breech (the middle of October is a little late to be thinking of all this.}
The Sea, The Earth and The Sky as a set will be out one of these days and it certainly is taking a lot longer than either Anita or I expected. But have faith, it will happen.
My 2001 fall tour is still being put together and I'm sure it will include several mid-west dates. As soon as I get a definite schedule it will be published here.
The imagined photograph of David stretched out on the floor listening to my recordings gives me a broad smile. Please give my affection to David and your son and I send you my love and thanks. Rod.
ADELAIDE
Dear Rod...thank you for all the inspiration you have given me over the years. I remember you first came into my awareness with 'going away on a summer's day'....quite appropriate as at the time I was [reluctantly] seeing a dear friend off on his journey of discovery.
Some years later another friend shared with me her delight in attending a concert you had given [I believe in Adelaide, South Australia. perhaps the Festival or Playhouse theatre] Anyway I was quite envious and began to develop a passion to also see you in the flesh. Imagine my absolute delight when I visited my local library last week and there on this marvelous "thing" known as 'the web'. there you were!
So now instead of spending many $'s in traveling over to your world in the hope of maybe meeting/seeing you ..I only need dial up to encounter you. We have a great pub known as "The Guv" where visiting artists such as Andy Irvine, Ralph McTell et al share their insights with us....we would love to be able to give you a warm ozzie style welcome also if you ever consider coming our way. I look forward to hearing from you. Warm and kind love and blessings be always yours. Cheers Noelene.
Dear Noelene, Headlining the Adelaide Festival was a big thrill. I want very much to come back to Australia and New Zealand and tour both again. I know it will happen, it's just a question of when.
I had many visits and spent many months in 'The Lucky Country.' Every time I'm under the Southern Sun I discover something new. Australia has great places to play, I was the first pop attraction to open The Sydney Opera house and I've performed in theaters, casinos and outdoor stadiums there. So, one of these days don't be surprised to see me at "The Guv. . . . before or after a show, or just to kick back." Warmly, Rod
Once again it's time for the Friday "Pass it Along" feature. Meanwhile, sleep warm.
RM 10/17/2000 Previously unpublished
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