I only knew him from afar but for the last fifty years I heard his name spoken often because
he had read in schools or churches to children. I saw his poems over the years and loved the
brutal honesty with which he addressed his own failings. He also captured the local settings in
very true ways and used humor to full advantage. There is no question he stood apart and was
a true poet. I met Ric and Billie Barbara a few years ago at a reading and felt I had known them
for years. They were such warm and friendly people. It makes you realize how great the gift of
poetry is.
he had read in schools or churches to children. I saw his poems over the years and loved the
brutal honesty with which he addressed his own failings. He also captured the local settings in
very true ways and used humor to full advantage. There is no question he stood apart and was
a true poet. I met Ric and Billie Barbara a few years ago at a reading and felt I had known them
for years. They were such warm and friendly people. It makes you realize how great the gift of
poetry is.