I'm going to finish now with this.
It's a little guide to poetry.
It's called, A Letter to MA who Lives Far Away.
I received a letter from this young lady.
She was about 13 at that time.
Asking me-- and I had met her and her family before asking me
about what's a good way to write poetry
and I looked at this letter from her for several weeks
before I finally answered.
Dear Melissa, I do remember you.
You had curly hair and stood by the stair
up there on Quadra isle with a shy smile.
Say hello to your mother Jean.
I don't remember your sister's name and that's a shame.
But I sort of remember her face and natural grace.
Not all poetry has to rhyme but this time,
I'm writing back the way you did it.
It's to your credit.
You got me to write this form.
Since real poetry is formed from a formless
place which is our original face.
Buddhist teachers say in play.
So if this helps you be a writer,
it will please your new friend, Gary Snyder.
[LAUGHTER]
[APPLAUSE]
I know we said questions and answers but this is too much.
I've gone too long and you are too many.
The night is too late and too hot.
Thank you all for coming.
[APPLAUSE]