Kenneth Warren
1952 ~ 2015
I just received this news about Kenneth Warren, whom I never had met, but we long ago shared a front cover photograph display and interior article in Poets & Writers on the highs & lows of being small press publishers. From that date forward we were forever in fair exchange mode. No one ever had to remind the other. We always came through and what I sent to Ken from Longhouse pressings, he sent in turn back to me from House Organ, and the poetry wheel revolved. Yes, forever the twain was met. Not as easy as you might think, and eternally thankful.
[ BA ]
WHAT BOOK WILL NEVER BE REACHED FOR?
for Kenneth Warren (1952-2015)
from the shelf tumbles dust
dry words, unread pages
there is heaven and earth
Ontario become a dark ship in a lake of gods
your soul was as constant as the driven wind
deep soul, beautiful lake, beautiful water
it is a taking away, taken from us
the subject of poetry as you know too well
a cloudburst unleashed
the evening cry of gulls
sunset below the pattern of storm
driven like sleep finally come
aftermath of black waves
growing wave crests orange
almost all the beats would be fine
in rhythm, but then there would be
a pause, a skip
I’d glance at you, eye to eye
and see the terrible aloneness
what bright color might next catch our interest?
bury that thought as they now bury you
the rabbit in the moon
was placed there
as tribute for rabbit’s sacrifice
of his life and substance
for the saving of others
Alan Casline
May 25, 2015
Elsmere, New York
——————————
"Just came to my e-mail to hear of the death of Ken Warren. Ken was one
of my best and bountiful friends. So many times our paths crossed and we
got to do a few things together. I was so looking forward to House
Organ #100. I could always push on Ken and he would always carefully
push back. Loved the guy and the world a dimmer place. Still a bit
shocked."
[ AC ]
I haven't asked Alan to share his poem, words, photograph, but something tells me
he doesn't mind.
