A Poet’s Epiphany

I missed the great bard’s birthday earlier this month (April 23). Of course Shakespeare is no longer required coursework for an English degree at many of the country’s prestigious universities (old dead white guy). But at least in some circles he’s still considered relevant.

I used to tell students…the difference between poetry and you is you look in the mirror and say, “I am getting old,” but Shakespeare looks in the mirror and says, “Devouring Time, blunt thou thy lion’s paws.”  – Jim Harrison via The Failed Aristocrat

Although “Devouring Time” finally got its lion’s paws into old Jim; doesn’t seem possible but he’s been dead now for 6 years, so maybe nobody considers either of these old dead white guys relevant after all. Jim Harrison at least has a chance, he’s got a little Native American blood in him.

“Naturally we would prefer seven epiphanies a day and an earth not so apparently devoid of angels.” – Jim Harrison, “Letters to Yesenin” (2013)

“What is past is prologue.” – William Shakespeare, The Tempest, Act 2, Scene I.