The last time I bumped into rob on Bank Street, I referred to him as a poet and got into an argument with him in which he told me that he did not refer to himself as a poet.
Given that for many years now he has been handing out texts labelled poem, it seems a bit disingenuous of him. On the other hand, I’ve always figured that labels like poet and artist are best bestowed by others.
i find this all very confusing; why is it a problem if i hand out poems but don’t call myself poet? its deceptive; not all i do; i write. i write fiction, poetry, reviews, articles, essays, creative non-fiction. i prefer writer to, say, poet and fiction writer and (etc); its easier. i see nothing contradictory.
11 Comments
Wet poet is so much better than a dead poet.
This is a great picture in many different ways. Also, I did not know who Rob McLennan was and now I do.
Too much leather for a poet. I’d say university prof or film-maker
Claims to be a poet XUP. McLennan’s Blog
The last time I bumped into rob on Bank Street, I referred to him as a poet and got into an argument with him in which he told me that he did not refer to himself as a poet.
Given that for many years now he has been handing out texts labelled poem, it seems a bit disingenuous of him. On the other hand, I’ve always figured that labels like poet and artist are best bestowed by others.
I find dead poets to be an oxymoron.
Since poets composes poems, while dead poets just decompose.
It made sense in French, but after reading it again, I am not sure if it does in English.
I still say real poets shouldn’t ingulge in that much leather
Leather it totally prosaic
A poet can be wearing leather.
Just depends upon the weather.
Other shouldn’t decide whether
Poets walk about in leather.
I don’t think the guy’s wearing leather at all. Just his belt is leather. Anyway who cares.
i find this all very confusing; why is it a problem if i hand out poems but don’t call myself poet? its deceptive; not all i do; i write. i write fiction, poetry, reviews, articles, essays, creative non-fiction. i prefer writer to, say, poet and fiction writer and (etc); its easier. i see nothing contradictory.
& i own leather, but this jacket is not leather.
I love this pic of Rob! Wow – great work!
Stay inspired!
Michelle