VIVA TODT

"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 alley
after 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 what
once 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.'