10 years

It's a strange day; the 10th anniversary of my Dad's death. Which seems unbelievable. Back in 1970, he worked for an underground newspaper, the 750 Nitro Express (blowing into your mind at 2500 feet per second, dig?) So here is something he wrote 38 years ago -he'd be about 25 then.
"Poetry Lives " says Nitro Express Editor
Todt Says words
Are not poetry!
Speaking before a small group of winos, thugs and police officers he encountered in an alleyafter leaving a downtown topless go-go bar, George H. Todt, editor of the 750 Nitro Express said " Words are not poetry."

"Volumes of printed symbols," Todt continued, "Remind me of coral reefs; myraid discarded
containers, empty carcasses, shells, hard, cold, empty, LEFT BEHIND, to say LIFE has been here.ALIVE has been here."

Todt declined an invitation to read, but said "I could read my words to you; try to tell you of whatonce was, but poetry? No. You'll have to find your own poetry."

Pressed further, he replied: "Poetry is just opening your eyes and seeing something in a special way."
" Poetry is high. Poetry is getting high and being full of wonder."