Tuesday, May 27, 2025

single poem presented as broadside by Kirby and Ralph (1996)


This is less than a chapbook

Smaller than a broadside

tinier than anything I actually had to pay to get, in truth. But signed, it is, and by both men. One who might be wearing swim trunks, I would hope. 

A single poem. Not a bad poem but hardly worth the effort in my estimation. But I didn't, they guys did and that is all I wish to say about that. Oh - it's Kirby Congdon (poet) and Ralph must have been the "artist" involved. 

Friday, May 23, 2025

Sparse Rain by Roy Zarucchi (1990)


Sparse Rain

Roy Zarucchi

Pygmy Forest Press

Albion, CA

(c)1990

I got this one because I had never heard of this poet before and doing some research prior to the arrival of the book gave me some insight. But, wait, Pygmy Forest Press...... that is Leonard Cirino's press. Oh, he passed in 2012. I did not know that. He and I had a feisty exchange of views concerning the Beat Generation. He blamed the Beats for his life (choices) as I remember it. And yet I am hearing traces of Kerouac in a few of the poems in this collection by Roy Zarucchi. His phraseology in a few of the poems are right out of the Kerouac language universe. 

This collection is NOT a Beat generation infused chapbook, but it does hint at it. It's a cross section of the writings by this gentleman, a man who had a remarkable and interesting life. I learn of his background from the obit shown below: 

Roy Zarucchi Obituary

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M - ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Roy Zarucchi passed away suddenly June 29, 2011, at his home. He was born June 9, 1939, in Oakland, Calif. 


Roy retired after 20 years in the Air Force and taught college. During his distinguished career he was an Air Force commando, served in the Vietnam War and spent five years at the Pentagon. He graduated from St. Mary's College, Berkeley, Calif., and received a master's degree at Central Michigan University. In addition to being a skilled potter, he was a published poet. He and Carolyn were essayists with Maine Public Radio and joint published authors. Roy and Cal operated Nightshade Press and edited Potato Eyes Literary Arts Journal for 12 years. They left Albuquerque, N.M., to return to coastal Maine, but were pulled back to the climate and friendships they had made in New Mexico. His hobbies included swimming, gardening, throwing pots and European travel.







Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Leaf Notes: Poems of the Plague Years by Michael Fallon (2022)


Leaf Notes: Poems of the Plague Years

Michael Fallon 

Self published 

(c)2022

This is a very fine collection of poetry created during and entirely about the COVID 19 "plague" we are still recovering from today. 

Sunday, May 11, 2025

Gifts of the Forest by Inez N. Mcfee (1909)


 Gifts of the Forest

Inez N. Mcfee

F. A. Owen Publishing Company

Danville, N Y 

(c)1909

This booklet was part of a series entitled Instructor Classic Series brought out by F. A. Owen in the early 20th century. It was conceived as an educational tool but it clearly (at 31 pages) is something I deem a chapbook. The inside last page of the booklet offers a listing of other booklets in the series.