Walter Simon reading
–Soul– is a selection of poems written from 1979 offering selected work and includes a tribute to Richard Hugo. This is my final reading. Poems written and selected from numerous readings in North America. Other writings include documentaries and anthropological profiles including North American Native American studies and significant waterways. PR work published internationally… now retired from the profession.
Walter Simon
Since 1960 I've worked in Seattle after two years learning my trade on Madison Avenue. By 1975 after writing PR for the Pacific Science Center which gained international publications, understood it was time to work for myself on my poetry, to stay independent and pen my deepest feelings. Later covered the Gulf of Saint Lawrence out of Nova Scotia for a Seafood Journal covering the decline of cod, with international distribution.
Early on it may be said I earned a Phd in couch surfing, but survived! Many readings followed. Early years in Seattle,including a great moment at the Blue Moon Tavern, prior to its sale, finally working out of Montana for years, integrated with the Salish- Courtney Flathead tribes.
I came to your door, in the process, because I understand the effect of Theodore Roethke and Seattle's poetry movement and Hugo's contribution in Montana.
When Richard Hugo was appointed Poet Laureate for Montana, I learned from his students the shaping of poetry in the state, mostly from Tom Davis, with whom I shared readings, in Spokane and Western Montana.
In Montana readings always spoke with kindness for his contribution to the State of Montana, not intruding on copyrights, but on the person. What I hope to bring to your door is an essay on Richard, with a mix of my work, an original script. I'll leave a copy with you. This will be my last public reading, 'cause age that cold hearted thief has wrinkled the spirit within.
