POETICS

Having been involved personally with Beyond Baroque for the last 10 years, I’m disturbed that the most consistently supportive service provided by BB to poets since its inception was not even mentioned: the Wednesday night Poetry Workshop, which for more than 15 years has opened its door to all poets, no matter what their style, level of experience or political beliefs.

It is the most nonpolitical forum in this city, dedicated solely to the craft of writing poetry. A nUmber of fine poets here (and elsewhere) have roots in the workshop. Our alumni include rock musicians John Doe, Exene Cervenka and Tom Waits, to name a few.

So, please, let’s stop griping and grumbling about what’s not being done for L.A. poetry and let’s show some support for an institution that has been consistently supportive to all of us.

BOB FLANAGAN

former co-director, Beyond Baroque Poetry Workshop