I heard Mr. Williams read some of these poems at the River City Writers Series here in Memphis last fall, sponsored by the University of Memphis's MFA Program. I purchased a copy of his Pulitzer Prize-winning book of poems, Repair. But it was his memoir, Misgivings, that gripped me most. I had just begun my own memoir, which is still in progress, and which also includes tough truths about family members. Williams has a gift, but also crosses some lines that are questionable, for me, like in his poem, "Last Things," about his friend's hidden photograph of his dead child. Was the "small truth his story might embody" REALLY "worth the anguish of remembering that reflexive moment"? These are the types of questions I'm asking myself as I wade through the pages of truth in my memoir-in-progress. He did ask his friend before publishing the poem. And he did win the Pulitzer. I'm taking notes.
An award-winning writer/journalist for over 30 years, writing for Details, The Village Voice, Cigar Aficionado, The Associated Press, USA Today, Penthouse, Slam, Texas Monthly, Billiards Digest, The Sporting News, and The Writer. Acknowledged for excellence seven times by the annual Best American Sports Writing anthology and interviewed the likes of President Richard Nixon, Dennis Hopper, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Mickey Mantle, Reggie Jackson, Forest Whitaker, Derek Jeter, and Roger Clemens. Founder/Producer of The Inspired Word poetry/spoken word Thursday night events @ One and One Bar/Restaurant in Manhattan, New York City.
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I heard Mr. Williams read some of these poems at the River City Writers Series here in Memphis last fall, sponsored by the University of Memphis's MFA Program. I purchased a copy of his Pulitzer Prize-winning book of poems, Repair. But it was his memoir, Misgivings, that gripped me most. I had just begun my own memoir, which is still in progress, and which also includes tough truths about family members. Williams has a gift, but also crosses some lines that are questionable, for me, like in his poem, "Last Things," about his friend's hidden photograph of his dead child. Was the "small truth his story might embody" REALLY "worth the anguish of remembering that reflexive moment"? These are the types of questions I'm asking myself as I wade through the pages of truth in my memoir-in-progress. He did ask his friend before publishing the poem. And he did win the Pulitzer. I'm taking notes.
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