Daniel Nester’s Article “Goodbye to All Them” on Poets Leaving NYC
Back Table at the Five Spot by Burt Glinn
Doesn’t the Burt Glinn photograph above just about tell it all? Being a huge fan of Frank O’Hara, and any kind of documentary photography that attempts to fix images of creative historical figures in time and place, this one got to me. And then I read the Daniel Nester article and wow, what a terrific pairing of materials.
For anyone who is creatively inclined, struggling with issues of community building, fitting in or fitting out, getting your work out to the world, trying to maintain integrity while garnering success, etc. — the idea of going to a place where you know the energy abounds is a juicy temptation. But what happens when you change, evolve, grow out of a scene and decide it’s time to (grow up?) leave? Who shuns you and what does that say about your previous acceptance and inclusion? Read Nester’s “Goodbye to All Them” now and consider dropping Nester a line, or leave a comment here and start up a discussion.
Article originally published in The Morning News
I read this and had to write to dan right away.
Brilliant article.
I whole heartedly believe poets do not NEED their new york years
and it was whole heartedly heartbreaking to hear why he let go of poetry
Comment by derrick — December 21, 2009 @ 9:55 am
That’s really funny because I had the EXACT same response. He probably got inundated with WB-sponsored emails all last week.
Comment by Matty — December 21, 2009 @ 9:57 am
this is a brilliant article I loved it.
Comment by lane furniture — January 20, 2010 @ 2:39 pm