That was my IM to Patricia Smith - a dear old friend who just happens to be nominated for this year's National Book Award in poetry for her collection Blood Dazzler.Patricia, four time National Poetry Slam champ, proves that just because you don't read in a monotone and believe an audience at a reading deserves a performance it doesn't mean your work can't stand up on page.
Unlike others who earned success via early participation in Slam, Patricia never turned her back on the genre by bad mouthing the scene or it’s participants as low brow. She has continued her support of the up and coming and it is rumored she is looking to compete again soon.
Congrats to strong and talented woman.
3 comments:
Hey Pat!!!
Couldn't happen to a better poet. I wish you much luck. Let us know when you find out if you won.
Blessings and Peace,
Mary Weems
The award was given Nov. 19. Pat did not win.
The poetry award went to
Mark Doty, Fire to Fire: New and Collected Poems
http://www.nationalbook.org/nba2008.html
Mark's a damn fine poet, too. I still haven't bought this Patricia book - was planning to do so when you posted this blog, but then it slipped my mind. The "Recent Comments" reminded me. Thanks!
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