Scriblerus Soiree 12.4 with Pete Fairchild

I enjoyed a pleasant evening of round table poetry with my longtime mentor and friend, the poet B.H. "Pete" Fairchild at the Scriblerus Soiree hosted by poet Helen Grazziano in Claremont, CA. Pete read from several of his books, including "Art of the Lathe," and talked a lot about the background and meaning of his poetry as well as poetry in general. It was/is interesting to see how this poet, who I've studied with since I was in my early 20's and a student at Cal State San Bernardino, really has shaped my sensiblity, style and courage to write.

Ruth leaning in for the picture with my poetry hero and teacher, B.H. "Pete" Fairchild

Claremont, CA 12.4.08 at a wonderful reading and poetry discussion by this honored & beloved poet

Although I feel remote from my poetry right now - I have been so sidetracked with "left brain" work in the past few weeks and it's taken a toll on me. Wrapping up a long semester at College of the Desert and many required piles of work associated with the place - stuff that isn't my own inner world and life, my own poetic sensibility - I talked to Pete about it tonight; I'm prepared to live in my tent trailer - well, not quite, but I have to make the break and plunge headfirst and fully into my own work once and for all. I cannot stand even two or three weeks away from my "inner voice." My poetry and all writing, the Phantom Seed, my ability to intuit my way into a world I must articulate and can't suppress.

Late night, exhausted and emotionally difficult day, I'm grateful I went to Claremont - nothing like being grounded by someone I've known and admired for years, and being in fine assocation with other poets and poetry patrons.