I've mentioned my dumb letter to James Tate. Well, I'm publishing it here.
There are a few things about James Tate. He was born in the same year as my mother, who is also a writer. His father died in World War II, my grandfather fought in that war. And my grandfather is the writer who's letters inspired the letter-writing dance of this year. And all these letters of his that I've been drinking in, were written to my mother.
It's non-linear, but it's fun for me to turn over and over in my mind.
June 13, 2008
Dear James Tate,
I'm writing one letter a day for a year. This is the exercise I've devised to celebrate the lost art of letter writing and to get my brain tumbling forward.
That's the background. The fun part is that each day it becomes obvious to whom I should write. It's 11:46 and I'm staring at your book, "Return to the City of White Donkeys" at my bedside. I LOVE THIS BOOK! I've loved it for a few years, since I got it as a gift from the bass player in my old band, as he thought my roommate, who is a poet, would like it. (This is getting to be a long story.) Anyway, I stole it when I moved out. Or maybe 'claimed' it - is a better way of putting it. But it's a treasure. I use it like I use only the most special things. You see, the most special things are the only things that can truly do the trick.
One poem, maybe two - when I need to dial in. My mother gave me a music box (you turn the crank) that plays Beautiful Dreamer - when I was 8. That's a special relic as well.
Anyway, this goes on - thank you. I really love the book.
Best, Erika
Sunday, August 10, 2008
My letter to James Tate
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8 comments:
That's a nice letter. You are a natural writer of many things: songs, 'blogs', letters, whatever. (By the way, I think it would be interesting if you wrote a review)
I saw that you liked James Tate, so I went on Amazon and did the 'look inside' thing and read some of his poems. I absolutely loved them! I had to drag myself away from the computer.
I asked my mom about him, but she'd never heard of him. Now I think I will buy the book too. I have tons of birthday money left over (not that i'm one that rushes to spend) and I think that would be one of those everlasting purchases.
Which reminds me,
I think I may write a letter to Bob Dylan (Inspired by this letter)
Just as you look at your james tate book, I am enamored by my dylan songbook. It has complete lyrics and chords and i bought it a few years ago. It is one of the only books that I can continually find enjoyment in, every day. I use it every time I sing his songs, and I couldn't really live without it.
Anyways, I can't wait to find a copy of the james tate, I'll have to check the used book store.
love,
Marta
ps Beautiful Dreamer is an excellent song. Elvis Costello sang it "on the phone" on Dylan's radio show during the "dreams" episode. I have a music box (that you crank) that plays Tea For Two. My aunt gave it to me when I was about 8 or 9.
My opinion: Your letter is NOT dumb. I read up a little on James Tate: He's a professor, therefore, he is accessible. I think you should sent it to him. No joke. He would appreciate it, just as you appreciate MY reviews. Everyone likes compliments, especially from fellow writers.
If you send your letter to James Tate I'll send my letter (somehow, after I write it that is) to Bob Dylan. I think you could actually get a response.
thanks for igniting my self-realization as a writer
tonight my letter is going to be VERY personal...deep shit...really, actually I just love that saying, but no...I'm really letting you into my psyche more than about ninety-percent of the people i've actually MET. Whatever...I'm sure you'll enjoy and offer your opinions on what I write. I can't wait TO meet you. Maybe next summer, hopefully, unless you can come here before that, but that's doubtful. Anyways, I'm excited about having an actual topic to base my ramblings about. Tonight: It's going to be a good one.
Hope you're doing sple-ndid, received some letters (and are not annoyed by the abundance of them)
love
marta
just keeping you posted..I'm planning on getting a band myspace page probably tomorrow or something (I already got one twice but each time I cancelled it for different reasons-i messed up when registering)
Actually tomorrow is the first football game, so maybe saturday. I'll tell you as soon as I get one...This will just make things easier-for you to listen to my stuff, for me to communicate with you maybe, and more importantly for me to keep in touch with Alex better.
Soooooo glad the package made it...I've got about five or six hours of homework to do. You should get a huge letter tomorrow...and you should have gotten a lot more (maybe six?) since the first three. I'm just checking to make sure they came.
X M
ps currently listening: house of cards/inrainbows/radiohead
I listened to ALL your stuff yesterday...very soothing experience
gotta say it: this whole package thing has been SUCH AN EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER...this thought envelopes my brain as i listen to the mix...it's unimaginable (yet real) that you can now be hearing these songs as well. Two thumbs up for the post office. THanks for complements. So glad you like it all...that would be terrible if you didn't...what a waste of time and energy
Well, we're at the peak of the rollercoaster and there are no signs of a drop anytime soon
love
marta
I just copied you by writing a letter to faulkner. And, I even posted it. If this imitation annoys you, do tell...please. But, my point, you can read it if you want.
Thanks
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