Clearing the Sill Of the World - Family of Poets

Can it be over? I'm poised for more? Yes, yes. Always leave them wanting more. Key West Literary Seminar was a life changing experience. I had no expectations. Did not know how to prepare. I just opened myself, and made my heart available to intellectual stimulus, emotion, literature, and fellowship. I think this last component is the point of differentiation. I was able to connect with people who are invested in contemporary American literature. There is a continuum of experience, work, and dialogue that is defining a new generation of poets and writers. Before the conference, I lived and worked in isolation in Orlando. I did my best, but I did not have resources (writers groups, editors, avid readers, venues, etc.). Now I see! The blinds have been lifted, and I'm aware of the context in which my naive vibrations flit and retreat. I suppose I could mourn being exposed as an amateur among a pantheon of geniuses . . . but that's really not my style. Instead, I cherish my innocence before it was lost . . . and practice stretching my wings. The beautiful people I met! Their art! It's like delicious candy for the mind. The world is a beautiful place filled with interesting people sharing the work of their lives. I have also to admit, that my enthusiasm and vulnerability made me the "nerdy" one . . . but who wants to waste time being the player. The life meals that I ate were real, nutritious, delicacies prepared with a masterful hand. My salutations to all the employees and volunteers who brought together a nation of strangers, and made them a family of poets.

I have to note some of the breakout stars, whose light reveals them as the next generation of great American writers and poets. Here are my predictions:

AMONGST STARS

Best New Book: Rita Dove . . . Sonata Mulattica

Best New Poem: Todd Boss . . . Yellow Rocket (This Morning In A Morning Voice)

Best Recalled Poem: Rhina Espillat . . . Undelivered Mail

Stilled the Collective Spirit: Natasha Trethaway . . . Heartfelt descriptions of Mexican Racial Mores in 19th century Mexican Art.

Thank God For: James Tate, Richard Wilbur, E.J. Laino, Maxine Kumin, Rhina Espillat, Billy Collins

BREAKOUT POETS TO WATCH (in order of appearance) [Spelling guessed] AND THEIR POEMS

Ellen Jaffe - Hamilton, Ontario Transformations

Water Children

Laurie DeRosiers Grandmother's Hands

Marsh Muirhead NASCAR on Sunday

Healthcare-What's Right For You

Schaley Wolp (Mira Saksina) I am Neda

Ellen Burkehead Morris Wooden Ships

Scott Cunningham - Maimi, FL The Writer's Market Summary

Feldman Examines a Carpet

Sarah Wells Ten Reasons Why He Didn't Die

The Milking Room

Rhonda ? Days After the Earthquake

Photovoltaic Song of Myself

To My Child, Preparing for Surgery

Micah Zevin Consumation

James Cherry From Summer to Fall

Gun

Alice Small Meyerson The New Nurse

H.C. Palmer Fall

Crow Speaks His Mind

In the Tall Grass of the Landing Zone

Rita Meyers Would That There Were Jagged Edges

Kelly ? Thoughts on Alaska

Lizz Huerta: Chapbook - Burlesque

Mind my word. These folks are brilliant and waiting to be found.