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Death of Poet Richard Armour

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On March 1, I read in The Times that one of America’s foremost poets had passed away. I’m referring to the passing of Richard Armour. It’s sad when someone that we always enjoyed reading is no longer with us.

I remember an occasion sometime in 1974 when I was writing poetry, that I decided to call Mr. Armour at his home in Claremont. His wife answered the phone and said that he was in the garden, but that she would call him. When he got on the phone we chatted for almost one half-hour. It was thrilling for me to be speaking with one of the greats of poetry. He encouraged me to keep on writing, which I did.

But the thing that I will always remember about Richard Armour was his basic decency in giving a total stranger his time and encouragement. I’m glad that at one point in my life, I touched greatness.

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FRANK LEVIN

Encino

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