ASK ROD |
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Photograph by Bob Gentry 8/5/99
A Thought for Today
The body at its widest in the coupling is no wider than the
brain that drives it.
LET'S STOP THIS
RUMOR IN IT'S TRACKS
Yesterday I announced that Ken and I are taking a few weeks off to work on the Stanyan
House site. Already I've gotten a couple of letters from people wondering if my health is
ok. YES. YES. I'm healthy, happy and anxious to get the site up. Ken is fine too, though
overworked. Can't remember his having a vacation. This time away certainly won't be one
& he'll still be posting the poems Jay has selected every night.
Again I'm well, though the thought of Donald Trump running for president does give me
pause.
ASK ROD
Some of the letters I get are embarrassingly laudatory . . . or they would be if I
believed for a minute that I'm the kind of man many of you think I am. Lets put all of
this stuff in its proper perspective. The reason you are attracted to my work is because
you recognize yourself in it. That's it, plain and simple. Nothing more, nothing less. I
write about what you think about. What does that make me? The same as you, one more human
being trying to get through his life as honestly and happily as he can.
IF YOU GO AWAY
Finding that carcinoma had claimed my body I thought, "so this
is how it ends". Then came upon an album, don't even remember the name, and heard
"If You Go Away." and felt I needed time and fought for it. Eight years later, I
have recently had such a day as you described. A day that will eventually lead to pain and
torment but gave also intense pleasure. Your voice and words wrapped themselves around my
soul and I remain to embrace both the pain and the pleasure as reminders that I love and I
live. Thank you, Anne
Dear Anne, Keep fighting. Life is tough, but worth the struggle. Life itself is a struggle
and I can only imagine how much tougher it must be when you're battling such a
debilitating ailment. You have great courage and using it to fight for life instead of
wasting it on feeling sorry for yourself shows great intelligence and heart. Hang in
there. My love and prayers are with you, Rod
MY GRANDFATHER
I just got done reading your book, Finding My Father. I know it's
none of my business, but how is your son doing? I think this is great to be able to write
to you. I have read many and own many of your books. But it has been 15 years since I
picked one up and I am glad I did. Thanks for everything. P. S. I think you look more like
your grandfather too. Becky
Dear Becky, Jean-Marc is fine thanks. Your remark about my looking like my grandfather
made me check a photograph of him. You know what, I think you are absolutely right. Thanks
for pointing it out. And, thanks for the kind words. All the best, Rod
HOW YOU SAVED MY LIFE
Mr. McKuen: I cannot tell you how grateful I am. I was on the brink
of suicide and then I discovered your most beautiful books of poetry through a friend. I
am most grateful to God that you are on this earth and that such beauty flows from your
work. I lived in Nevada and am very familiar with where you grew up and the surrounding
areas. Once again Sir, I thank you. C. Cook
Dear C. C., One of the nicest things about being alive is that we can all help each other
and should. If something I say comes in handy for anyone, it helps make up for those times
I wasn't there for friends when I should have been.
Anyway, all I do is write about things that have happened to me, and I set down some of
the lessons I've learned from going through good and tough times. That other people seem
to identify with those thoughts only proves how alike we are as people.
All of us are of the same family. Start with that premise and keep it in the front of your
mind always, all your life. Help is everywhere for all of us. It lives inside the next
person you see, friend or stranger. Most of us are too shy or embarrassed to share our
problems. But we all have the same worries and insecurities. And your problems and mine
are not dissimilar.
Many, many people have helped me. Face to face, in letters and with inner action and inter
dependence. I'll never have time to pay back what I've learned or share the friendship
that people I don't even know have offered me, but I plan to go on trying. Thanks for your
meaningful letter. Affectionately, Rod
MEMORIES
I have lived your words for years. They have nourished my soul for
over 30 years. I have smiled with you, I have cried with you. I began as a teen in the
70's and had by my mid 20's the collection of your entire works, everything you had
written, every book you had ever published, every word you spoke on LP, every song you
sang.
You were there when I had my first crush . . .you were there when I had my first date. You
were there when I fell in love for the very first time. You were there when my heart
broke.... You were there for me.
It was in the fall of 1987, the month my ex decided to leave me that not only would he
leave me wondering about my future as a single Mom, with small children. In his infinite
wisdom also decided to leave me without my past. He destroyed my High School mementos, my
Army souvenirs and my entire Rod McKuen Collection. Everything gone, just gone. I'll never
be able to replace everything...but in spite of not being able to go look at your words in
print, I still find them in my heart daily, you and me.
Rod McKuen, friend of my life. "We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the
sun..." I'll always have a special place in my heart for you, cause you were there
for me. Thank you. Your Friend, Judy ----41 years old.
Dear Judy, some women marry jerks and get stuck with super jerks. Sounds like you really
hit the jackpot. Sorry about the memories on paper, on record and all the photographs and
documents from your army days. But look at it this way, and I'm sure you have, it was only
"stuff" and at least you got rid of Mr. Wrong Stuff. And, you've been rid of him
for 12 years! Bravo!
Sure it's tough to lose mementos that trigger memories, but new ones are made every day.
It's a great honor to hear you say, "you were there for me," I just wish I could
have done more. At any rate I'm here now and so are you. So we can continue on together.
Thanks for the kind thoughts. Love, Rod
I READ THE INTERVIEW
Rod, you will have to excuse me, as I am rather new at the computer,
and trying to teach myself. First of all I read the interview that you had. And was really
touched by it, to know about all your accomplishments. I now will be following your web
page. Thank you for being there for all of us. Fondly Shirley
Dear Shirley, Thank YOU for being there. Affectionately, Rod
STUFF
I saw you almost 26 years ago in Tulsa. It was a dream come true to
see you in person. The person I was with wanted to leave after the performance you were
going to have a question answer session after the performance. I have loved your poetry
since high school. I graduated in 1967, so that has been at least a thirty some year
affair. I just encountered this site and reading your words once again put a real tug on
my soul and Heart. You are truly beautiful. My first Rod was one of the albums from the
sea. I must own all of your books, calendars (which I miss) CD's, records and such. How
great to be alive at the same time you are and experience you.
You provided a great way for all friends and family to provide me with Rod Items. I always
hoped to get in one more concert as the friend that attended with was in such a hurry to
leave. It was the last time I allowed anyone to crash my party, on my nickel. Life went
on. Just a letter of appreciation for sharing and influencing. Can't pick one favorite
writing or song, because I love them all. Look forward to new book. Love yourself as I do.
Marsha
Dear Marsha, Welcome aboard and thanks for the vote of confidence. Don't forget to tell
your family about Dwight's Stanyan By Mail site. Cheers, Rod
COMPLETE CARNEGIE HALL CONCERT
Hello Sir, as a long time fan I wish to know if the "Sold Out
Carnegie Hall" concert album (Improved CD version) is to be released soon. I don't
remember where I heard of it but I expected it right around the thirty-year anniversary.
Regards, Ken Ashley
Dear Ken, We had hoped to get The Complete Carnegie Hall Concert out this year. My guess
now is it'll surface sometime around the end of 2000. There are several albums set for
release ahead of it. Cheers, Rod
Thanks to all of you for your letters. I'll be back Thursday with more questions, answers
and comments. Tomorrow Ken Blackie will be here with his final column before he and I take
off for a few weeks to work on the new Stanyan House site. Have a sweet Tuesday and sleep
warm.
- RM 10/26/99 Previously unpublished |
