I have a quotation which I would like
to stand as an introduction to my reading.
It's from John Cage, the composer whose work
I admire very much, but whose writings I find delightful.
And in 1949, he wrote this little squib.
He was trying to describe the condition of art
in America at that time, but I think
what he had to say applies to all poetry readings today.
There is an element of horror about them, which
I think he describes very well.
He says, "We are on the point of being
in a cultural situation without having made
any special effort to get into one if one
can discount lamentation."
So no matter how loud the lamentation becomes,
I'll just read a little louder tonight.