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By Mail
A Thought for Today
Ah, the tricks a starlit sky can do for you when pressed.
Today's mail begins with a question concerning two of my favorite artists.
JERI SOUTHERN & MABEL MERCER
Rod, I am off to bed. But I have been having a long chat today with John Altman. John is a British composer who just won the Emmy for best score for the new "Citizen Kane". he was also Van Morrison's MD for 7 years and a jazz musician with many greats.
Your name came up because his favourite female singer is Jeri Southern and I mentioned that although I love her I don't have a single record ... and that you have written several times about her. I am off to Dwight to see what you have available of Jeri's.
John mentioned that he had met Cy Coleman - I was green with envy.... (as opposed to being Green with Comden *grin*) He said he had been introduced a long time back by Mabel Mercer. In my ignorance I assumed MM was Johnny Mercer's widow.
John said... Nope... ask Rod about Mabel Mercer ( he has a high regard for your knowledge of music.) So I am asking Oh great Bearded one. WHO is Mabel Mercer... and should I have her records? Yours Always, All ways. Coral
Dear Coral, We still have a few copies of Jeri Southern's "You Better Go Now" album and
Mabel Mercer's "For Always" LP on Stanyan. Now and again both artists have had their work released on CD's by various companies, but in very limited quantities. I'm not sure whether or not either
artist has been exported to Oz, but trust me they are both worth tracking down.
Frank Sinatra went on record claiming Mabel as his favorite singer and I believe her phrasing has influenced nearly every important pop singer in the past thirty years. By pop singers, I don't mean Sting, Bono or Brittany Spears, but singers who specialize in the repertoire of Johnny Mercer, Ellington, Gershwin, Porter, Berlin & Rodgers and Hart.
Mabel Mercer never had much of a voice in the traditional sense but like Lee Wiley, Jeri, Portia Nelson, Johnny Mercer, Jack Teagarden, Sylvia Syms, Hildegarde and Chet Baker she was truly one of a kind. With seemingly no facial gestures and only an occasional wave of her hand she added more drama, intelligence and wit to a lyric than many a performer whose histrionics served the singer and not the song. For decades she appeared in a single New York Supper Club six nights a week to turn away crowds. She sang delicious songs while seated in a plush high-back chair, her only accompaniment being her faithful pianist Sam Hamilton.
During her performance she spoke only to announce the writer and composer of the song she was about to perform. She continued to sing twice nightly well into her 80's. A Cabaret Singers society gives out awards in her name every year to established as well as new cabaret artists. I can remember seeing her perform as early as the 1950's and her audience was usually always made up equally of High Society types and young college couples who came to hear her as a way of celebrating their love.
Do you need recordings by Jeri Southern and Mabel Mercer? Let me put it this way, in a rapidly decaying society (especially where music and the arts are concerned) you must have them. As an intelligent and artistic woman, your life is incomplete and lacking without the sounds of Jeri and
Mabel. Luv, Rod
PS: Imagine my thrill at being on the same bill as Cy Coleman and Comden and Green at the Bobby Fryer tribute earlier this month. Betty Comden has very bad eyesight and had to be led to center stage, as did a very infirm Adolph Green but when they opened their mouths and sang "Ohio" from "Wonderful Town" they became a couple of twenty year olds. In the current vernacular, they were inspiring and awesome.
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 website. Thank you, Martin Rubin Verona, New Jersey
Dear Martin, the poem is entitled Camera and it's from "Stanyan Street & Other Sorrows". It was printed in Webmaster Ken's This One Does It For Me on 6/28/2000. You can access it by typing the title or the date into the Archive Search Engine. Thanks for asking. Cheers, Rod
A LETTER FROM KOSOVO
Rod, I want you to know that the Internet spreads so much. It has given me the ability to send messages to my wife, family, and friends on a day-to-day basis.
I find a computer each and every day to access the Internet. One of the first orders of business, much like I did at home, is to go to your site and check the flight plan. There's is always something perfect there, like a familiar something.
You see, I came to Kosovo with the UN to contribute what I could to the situation here. I was afraid to bring some of the books, which are dear to me, that you authored in fear that something may happen to them here.
I hope that you've gotten all of your computer problems straightened out. Randy Snyder UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) Pristina, Kosovo, Formerly of Georgia
Dear Randy, What an experience you must be having. I can't imagine anything more useful and interesting than what you are involved in. Talk about being in a hot bed! Like the Middle East and Northern Ireland you're in a land where the feudal system
is not only alive and well but the hatred and unwillingness to change old ways continues to be passed down from generation to generation.
I hope you'll write and tell me more about what it's like working from day to day in Pristina. It can't be easy but it has to be fascinating work.
As for my computer problems? New ones are always replacing the ones that get solved, but whenever they seem insurmountable I mention them here and get lots of help from readers.
Again, Randy, write and tell me more about Kosovo. Alas I misplaced your E-mail address so I haven't been able to add it to my list. All the best, Rod
SLOW DOWN
I'm only 16 and I feel that over the past year I have lost the talent I was blessed with, writing. I feel as if I can't hold anything in my head
anymore...my thoughts, memories, school work, only what I've read of yours.
Your words make me weep. I used to read for pleasure and I used to think that Robert Frost was my favorite poet. But I've come to terms with much. You are my favorite. I only have three books of yours but they make my collection. I seldom read for pleasure anymore, but yours I read with wonder. Almost memorized most. You're a fantastic man. I wish I knew you personally...for you can only get so much out of one's writing without knowing the exact origin of thought. The way you describe love is indescribable for me...I read them to my boyfriend but he doesn't have half the appreciation for it as I.
Two years ago my best friend Lauren met her mentor, Jim Carroll, I don't know if you're familiar with him (Basketball Diaries) but he is an amazing poet. I can only dream of the day when I can meet you, to shake your hand, the man who has touched my heart in so many ways, so many times, with only words- but for everyone, with so many meanings. I think you're incredible.
You must be living life in a way I could never imagine. For one, because I am only so young, with so much ahead of me. Poetry used to be my passion, and still is, if only I could find the
words to describe every feeling I have of love and anger and triumph.
Two years ago I knew what I was aspiring to be...a poet. I wanted to grow up, have a best selling book, and when I died, people would remember me for what I was and what I had to say. But it's as though I have no inspiration anymore. No feeling for it. I'm a sophomore in high school now and I have no earthly idea what to do with myself when I'm done. I must go to college, just to prove to my family that I can, I think. And maybe one day follow my dream. I sure hope so.
I honestly don't know why I felt it necessary to write all of this to you. You are like my idol for intelligence and a way with words. Like I said, you're amazing to me. Thanks. Toni*
Dear Toni, Whatever the reason I'm very glad you decided to write me. As a sophomore you are not required to know what it is you want to do with the rest of your life, let alone have an overriding ambition. You have a lifetime ahead of you and during that lifetime your ideas of what you want and can do will no doubt change dozens of times. Just as your talents will grow and change.
Don't be in a hurry. I realize that advice is almost never taken seriously by people of your age but I offer it all the same. Youth is always in a hurry. As a young man I was impatient and I stumbled a lot and had many false starts before I ever discovered what I was good at and what worked for me. I'm still experimenting and learning.
Jim Carroll is a gifted writer, he can write just about anything and he does. I've never met him but certainly appreciate and value his work.
Again, Toni, impatience is over rated as a virtue, but when you do lock onto something you want . . . don't forget to dream big.
Hang in there and enjoy being sweet sixteen. It only happens once. With affection, Rod
CONCERT TOUR
Any plans to return to Britain in the future? Ian Renshaw
Oklahoma . . . Kathy
Wisconsin . . . Rose from Appleton
Kansas City . . . Kay Wise
New York City . . . Cathy
Canada, specifically Ottawa, . . .MacMillan
Dear Ian, Kathy, Rose, Kay, Cathy & Mac, There are no firm dates set yet for the Fall 2001 Tour and the cities and dates probably won't be officially announced until late spring or early summer. Remember, I have little say as to where I'll be appearing. The promoter in each city or location has to be convinced in his or her own mind that I'll do enough business to merit booking.
All of your names have been added to the mailing list, so when dates crop up, you'll be alerted. There is a slight chance that I'll be doing a weekend of break-in concerts in the Midwest in March. Again, more on that as soon as I know something.
Thanks for asking. Rod
HOW CAN WE BE SURE OF ANYTHING
Dear Rod, Recently I discovered your site when, just for grins, I did a search. I was absolutely ecstatic to see (your picture and your poetry) that it was merely my avid addiction to your works that was interrupted by life for the past 20 years, and that you are still actively composing, etc. I was looking for a poem that begins "How can we be sure of anything, the tide changes..."
I think back in 1970, when I first got "Listen to the Warm", it had a number for a name. Anyway, now I can restock my books, which were lost in an Alabama hurricane two years ago. I kept them atop my Bible by my bedside for so many years, and would often refer to them. Yes, I've had a life, your work has just been like a comforting friend, and an advisor at times.
Enough verbosity, what I would like to know is, how would you suggest I begin to get some of my work looked at, if not published. Does it require an agent? Very sincerely, Cathy H.
Dear Cathy, The poem you mention is Fourteen from "Listen to the Warm" and is also known as "The Storm" which is what it's titled on The San Sebastian Strings album "The Sea." Oddly enough it was featured last Friday (11/25/2000) on the Flight Plan. You can pull it up by typing either the date or the title onto the Archive Search Engine.
I wish I could offer you some good advice on how to get your work looked at, there really isn't any. And, I don't know of any agents who handle poets or poetry. My best thought would be to join a writers club or subscribe to one of the writer's magazines who each month feature a list of addresses where poetry and other writing can be submitted.
What I hope you will not do is become involved with any of those meaningless anthologies who are willing to publish your work for a fee or for ordering copies of their collections. I know of no case where that has led to anything for a writer other than their parting with cash. Sorry I can't give you more positive advice, but don't let that stop you from continuing to write and hone your craft. With good wishes and more, Rod
FRIENDSHIP
Dear
Rod ~ I am almost in awe, knowing that perhaps, you might actually gaze eyes upon my writing. For very close to 30 years your words have inspired me, touched me, gentled me and spoken from my heart. I too, have realized that the time we share with those we love can be very sweet, short and often not acknowledged.. I have made it a goal in my life to do so whenever possible.
Nothing feels worse than to lose an opportunity to embrace someone; especially when that time may never come again. I read your page on Jacques Brel; I can feel your pain as I read the words. I'm so very sorry: I'm sure no one has said that to you in a very long time, but I think it might be necessary and appropriate.
I also have a very best friend. She and I go back to our high school days in Alameda <you grew up in Oakland?> This past
year, at 40;she had to have a heart valve replacement. I live in Michigan now, but I flew home three times to be with her. The day of the surgery I was
frantic. Even the passing of my father was not as potentially devastating. I made so many deals with God that
afternoon, the kind children make when whistling through a graveyard after dark. I could not, and cannot imagine this world without her in it. No one else has been there
for me through all of life's foibles; and I for her. I can assure you, we have had our share.
The good news is that she came through surgery fine, and we both took in Europe this past summer, 4 months post surgery. If you and Jacques shared even a fraction of closeness with each other that Sherilyln and I have, you truly were blessed. I know that although the pain remains, you do own a treasure that many do not.......you had the depth of relationship that many do not share in their lifetime at all. Sher and I are not lovers; never
have, never will. But love transcends the physical, except when manifested in the pain of losing.
I send you a big hug from a lady who has much empathy. I know why you included a page on your website dedicated to him. It's a very telling gesture. Thank you for allowing us
to see this:) The poetry was exquisite. Love, Kristine Ledbury
Dear Kristine, thanks for the long letter and your willingness to share with others your deep feelings of friendship with Sherilyln. I'm really happy that she's well now and that you were able to see her through her trials.
I miss Jacques every day, even after all these years. Thank God we have so many songs that document our time together, which makes his not being here a little easier. We were truly brothers in every way but blood.
I go on singing the songs we wrote and continuing to work on those that remain unfinished. Alas Jacques' death is a far greater loss for a world that can ill afford to lose true genius in any field than it is for me personally. Warmest Regards, Rod
THE FINAL WORD
Subject: Present from
Japan
Japan has sent us 50,000,000 cases of Viagra. They heard that our entire country can't get an election.
(submitted by Sharon A Sewell)
Sleep warm and join me tomorrow for Pass It Along.
RM 11/28/2000 Previously unpublished
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