CORNER POETRY

So the Book review has finally given up on poetry altogether. Congratulations. Not only do you can the reviews. The next thing I know main man Eder offhandedly informs us that an epigram like “ ‘To write poetry after Auschwitz is barbaric’ ” is “a form of poetry, of course.” (Book Review, April 16). And who finally shows up in your Poetry Corner but that longtimeman of letters Randy Newman.

Excuse me, but wasn’t it Pound who said good poetry should be as well-written as good prose? Newman is a talented songwriter, a talent of a higher order than most of the “poets” you print. But he’s better off in the Calendar section with his blood relatives than lurking around in your “What’s Cute This Week” Corner.

MICHAEL GUISTA

SANTA MARIA