Foreword to E. E. Cummings book of poetry "is 5" (1926)
On the assumption that my technique is either complicated or original or both,the publishers have politely requested me to write an introduction to this book.
At least my theory of technique,if I have one,is very far from original;nor is it complicated. I can express it in fifteen words,by quoting The Eternal Question And Immortal Answer of burlesk,viz. "Would you hit a woman with a child?-No,I'd hit her with a brick." Like the burlesk comedian,I am abnormally fond of that precision which creates movement.
If a poet is anybody, he is somebody to whom things made matter very little-somebody who is obsessed by Making. Like all obsessions,the Making obsession has disadvantages;for instance,my only interest in making money would be to make it. Fortunately,however,I should prefer to make almost anything else,including locomotives and roses. It is with roses and locomotives(not to mention acrobats Spring electricity Coney Island the 4th of July the eyes of mice and Niagara Falls)that my "poems" are competing.
They are also competing with each other,with elephants,and with El Greco.
Ineluctable preoccupation with The Verb gives a poet one priceless advantage:whereas nonmakers must content themselves with the merely undeniable fact that two times two is four,he rejoices in a purely irresistable truth(to be found,in abbreviated costume,upon the title page of the present volume).
Peace to you. Alfred Eaker as BlueMahler, protagonist of "W the Movie" "Impending doom; The Mahler 7th" 'Now, why did you go and do that for? Don't you know I'm all buggy about you?...You daffy tomato!" "Katrina Ghosts"
All through the night they sought the light that would guide them for they were lost in the deep dark forest surrounded by snow. They only knew that it was imperative that they keep moving as it was getting colder now and soon it wouldn't matter because they had lost hope of ever finding shelter. So cold and tired they knew they were soon to die without the guidance of something greater than you and I.
Having no choice exhausted and scared they continued forward shivering as they walked side-by-side. All at once in the distance they saw something glowing in the cold brisk air. At first they thought it was a light but then to their despair it was Sister Aurora.
Little did they know, Aurora was showing them the way to the cabin not so far away. Their spirits uplifted they quickened the pace. Now their faces turned upward in praise seeing at once the face of an angel with rainbows, stars, and planets in her hair. She was gliding beside beloved Aurora both guiding them there to safety, a fire, and some company with plenty of everything they needed and would share.
Fear not please do not despair there is always hope when you thought no one was there. Just open your eyes and hearts and you will hear the sound of love forever it is always there it’s in the air and everywhere.
Hope the holiday season is treating you well! I thought I’d let you know that I have a new Poetry CD coming out next year featuring translations of the Chinese master poet Du Fu. The label that released it is offering a pre-release digital preview to accompany my book Facing the Moon. Details can be found at http://brokenelectric. com/merch. htm
to accompany my book Facing the Moon. Details can be found at 
