ASK ROD |
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Today’s questions are all
over the map; from music to making every moment count. It’s late afternoon after a
late, late evening of answering mail so I might as well continue. If you don’t see
your letter answered try and be patient. There’s quite a stack here. Some questions
are so close to others I’ve already answered that you might look over other
installments of Ask Rod to see if your query has already been covered. NOT QUITE OUR TOWN
I was reading your responses to e-mails and was encouraged to find information about
your music publications. I am a cabaret singer, and a big fan of Glenn Yarbrough and your
songs he recorded. I'm also enjoying my first visit to your site.
I'm working on a new show, and was listening to "Love Let Me Not Hunger" which
is an absolutely beautiful song. On closer examination, I noticed it was from a musical
production of "Our Town." Any details, and what are the other songs from that
production? I'm very curious.
Congratulations on the new book, and the prospects for performing again. I look forward to
the details. Matt Leahy, NYC
Hello, again. After reading your response concerning my question about sheet music
(Yes, I'm the girl who hung out at the drug store.), I got the feeling that you are trying
very hard to accomodate all our needs. I appreciate it very much and am very excited about
receiving "The Single Man" in the future. I enjoy the time I spend at my old
upright piano and knowing one of your songs would make it even better.
Your comments to my question reminded me of my childhood friend whose father owned one of
the two drug stores in our town (I bought your books at the other one years later.). On
hot summer days, we often went into her grandfather's drug store to rest. We fixed
ourselves cherry Cokes at the soda fountain (actually, we had a little Coke with the
cherry syrup.) then we lingered as long as he would let us because it was cool.
If he got busy (he was a pharmacist), we could fix ourselves another and check out the new
cologne at the cosmetics counter (Can you imagine what we smelled like?). Now whenever I
leave ASPTL after browsing for a while, I wish I had a cherry Coke, like the good ones we
had back then. ASPTL is like that, isn't it? A cool place to come back to again and again.
By the way, what's with the beard? You have such a
handsome face, why hide it? Yes, I do know it's handsome because I saw you in New Orleans
at the Repertory Theatre in New Orleans in 1971. To be honest, I like the beard. I just
didn't expect you to have it.
I'm off to play my piano for a while. Take care and thanks, again, for everything.
Remember that you are appreciated. Cloud aka Diann.
Dear Matt & Diann, I love the way Glenn Yarbrough sings "Love Let Me Not
Hunger". At the time it was written I was working on a musical adaptation of
"Our Town" which was later abandoned when my singing and performing career took
off.
Some time ago I promised that words and music to both "Love Let Me Not Hunger"
and "The Single Man" would be put on ‘the site’. Like a few other well
intentioned promises it never happened. In the coming week, we’ll give it another
try. As for the new book, read on. Regards, Rod
NEW BOOK "A SAFE PLACE TO LAND"
Rod, I love your writing. When will your new book be out? I am anxious to buy a copy
of it. I just was introduced to your work by a near and dear friend of mine and I will
from that day on..be an avid fan. You are wonderful. Sincerely Roberta
I have been a fan since I was 17 years old and read the poem "Eighteen". I have
passed the love of your poetry to my son as well as his friends, who are now 17 and 18.
They were amazed at how your poetry has the power to transcend time, especially in the
times that our youth are living now. I am so happy that you will have a new book out soon.
I will be standing in line at the book store the day it arrives. Thank you for being such
an inspiration to young and old alike. The Binkoski Family
Dear Rod, Thank you for sharing some of the poems in your new book "A Safe Place To
Land" with us even before it is published. I think it is the most moving, erotic and
sexually inviting work you have ever produced. When will it be published?
Dear Roberta, Tom & The Binkowski Family. If things go as planned "A Safe Place
To Land" should be out in the fall of 1999. In addition to the text, first edition
copies will include a CD with a reading of the complete work. The exact publishing date
will be announced here and first copies will be made available to Flight Plan readers.
MAKING THE DAYS COUNT
Dear Rod, I’m 20 and have been reading your poems since I was 10. That's a bit
too early but the things I thought about 10 years ago are different from what I perceive
now... as I read your poems again. If they were music, classic would be the word...and
they are music. For so long I wondered if there would ever be a chance to talk with you,
now I feel I am. Just now I’ve begun to realize that things do change very quickly
without us knowing it consciously.
Perhaps I have grown too fast, or perhaps I am made to be so. There were times when it
seemed like I had had enough, but your poems always open a window if my doors are shut.
Thank you for that. Chai
Dear Chai, Thank you for a nice letter. It’ hard to be alive at this time and place
without feeling the energy in everything passing too quickly. A lot faster, in fact, than
most 20 or 60 year olds are able to handle. We do what we can with what we’ve got.
Every day I become more aware of the time I’ve wasted in my own life, but I’m
determined not to let that recognition slow me or cause me to waste more precious hours..
Hang on, it can be a hard ride. Obviously the road leads somewhere or it wouldn’t be
here to follow.
All the best to all of you as the last November leaves begin to fall.
- RM 11/24/98 |
