This thing would never have gotten off the ground, much less look as amazing as it does, without the help of a number of wonderful people who, wisely or not, provided aid and encouragement in the pursuit of the folly which follows.
First, i must thank the always incredible Merilyn Silva who has learned many valuable lessons in patience while i mumbled, grumbled, and swore as i wrestled these things into shape while using her computer, always seeming to know when she should ask if i needed help and when to just let me stew in my own juices, while all the time providing snacks and unlimited access to her liquor cabinet. You raise friendship to an art.
The help of Susan Engbrecht likewise cannot be overstated. Thank you for the Ogden Nash book given all those years ago (these pieces would have never been born if it weren’t for him). As the one person who loves Beckett and finds him as paroxysmally funny as i do, has encouraged me to trust my own dark laugh-track wherever it leads, has always shown me by example what a true artist is, well, there are no words. But thank you.
To mi hermano de otra madre, Dennis Hernandez, thank you for all the laughs, leaving nothing sacred or off-limits, thereby exposing my own hypocrisy and blind spots. And for hearing deep dark secrets probably best left so, without judgment nor approbation but with the heartfelt empathy of a true friend. And inspiring me with your own incredible writing.
Thanks to my other friends who took time to read bits and pieces of these scrawlings as they have taken shape, especially Dale, Laurel, Holly, Octavio, and Sylvia, whose kind words helped me slog on.
Lastly, thank you Lauren Barrett, the amazing amanuensis, for turning this into a thing of beauty. Also, thanks for all the Jim Beams and grilled cheese sandwiches. I’m sure you had no idea what you signed on for when you graciously agreed to help me put a few “poems” together, but i’m sure glad you did (Go Giants!).
And to all the many friends who’ve put up with my pontifications and foistings over the years, debated nothings, laughed at my bad jokes, and just made the way a little easier; i hope y’all don’t think this sucks.
As corny as it is, Peace and Love.
March 2013
poetastrophy 