Feldman, Burton

"Thanks very much indeed for your letter offering us your essay "What, If not a Poem, Poems?""

"Prof. Feladman called me a couple of times last wekk, and I returned his call, but we missed each other. I wrote him to say that Kirkham's article is in producation and will be out about December 15th."

"I am delighted that you have a continuing series of writings and reprintings in progress. I am sure that it is gratifying to you to find so many publications eager for your work, and I am happy to see such a warm response to what now seems to be pretty much your entire endeavor."

"I have just received a letter dated June 28 from Burton Feldman stating that you are concerned about the disposition of the materials that went into establishing final text for your important article in the Denver Quarterly. Unfortunately, Mr. Feldman never received my letter of May 3, acknowledging with great thanks his gift of these materials..."

"I take it that you are aware of my having renounced poetry - many years ago. My latest published statement on this is, my preface to Selected Poems: In Five Sets..."

"The few who have read the essay, which is some years old, have liked it - with an exception that may interest you."

"I thought to offer you the article to replace the one you plan to use for your February issue: there is a certain importance for me in its appearing at the earliest possible journalistic occasion - one reason being (this not the only reason) that what it sets forth is overdue clarification."

...

"As to interest in my poems: I know of no concentrated labor of preoccupation with them - with them exclusively."

"I want to get down two statements of a general sort, not related to problems. 1) I am pleased with the placement of this article with you."

"2) I want to record my regret over the poor script I sent to you, and the chore I made for you of having it retyped."

....

"I think it a loyal and generous notion, that of presenting poems of mine, besides the article. But, please, take into account what I shall now say..."

"Be not frightened by the quantity of 'affixed notes' - they are the only repeat what is intended to the text with explanation"

"I became uneasy in the sudden thought that there is no mention in the headnote part of the poems section of my contribution of Selected Poems: IN Five Sets."