A Pause from Rage

Been worked up all day after dealing with an assholey poet this morning. I won't go into it, but this person touched a number of raw nerves and it took a lot of deep breaths not to freak on his/her pompous, self-absorbed, inconsiderate, passive-aggressive insulting ass. If you were one of the few people who received an e-mail from me today, you probably got a taste of my freakiness. Oh woe for friends of Reb!

I thought about writing another of my trademarked check yourself before you wreck yourself, you god damned ingrate posts. I'm not going to do that. I'm too tired.

Instead of focusing on the few assholes, which we always give way too much time, energy and attention to anyhow, here's a thank you/acknowledgment list to those who are doing selfless, considerate, wonderful things -- there's a lot more of you guys out there anyhow.

Thank you to the people who publish, edit and otherwise work on poems by other poets. Whether it's books, chapbooks, magazines, broadsides, videos, audio files -- however you're helping other poets reach an audience, thank you.

Thank you to the people who offer skills and services to poets, publishers and magazines; like designers, proofreaders, accountants, lawyers, etc. -- thank you.

Thank you to the people who write reviews, articles and essays on other poets' work. Thank you for not only reading the work, but giving it consideration and thought.

Thank you to the people who provide spaces and pages for reviews, articles and essays on contemporary poetry.

Thank you to the people who arrange and help other poets get readings and reaching an new audience.

Thank you to the people who interview poets for radio shows, online or in print.

Thank you to the people who make time to read books and write blurbs, mention them on blogs, in passing, in e-mails, wherever.

Thank you to the people who find other ways to promote and share the work of other poets.

Thank you to the people who offer their homes and meals to traveling poets making giving these poets the chance to connect with new audiences.

Thank you to the people who create and maintain communities for poets, whether it be writing groups, discussion groups, online or in the flesh. Thank you for helping poets connect with other poets.

Thank you to the people who attend readings they're not participating in.

Thank you to the librarians who order poetry books for their libraries.

Thank you to the booksellers who order poetry books for their stores.

Thank you to the people who buy small press poetry books and magazines.

Am I missing anything?