ABOUT
I was born in Brooklyn, and grew up in Queens. I took my poetry vows in City College of New York in the late 60’s. which had an extraordinary literature department in those years. I considered a life as poet which inevitably means an academic lifestyle. After graduating I moved Paris to obtain a Master’s in French literature. After 2 years, and well into my thesis on Rimbaud, the Sorbonne was closed due to student unrest. As it would be years in transition, I returned to New York with my wife Elaine. Needing employment, I entered the garment industry where I stayed, in the silk screen business, for 45 years. During that period I raised a family, picked up the classical guitar, and continued to read and write poetry.
When it was time to leave the industry I almost immediately fell into my student habits of being a poet. After some years of revisiting my work over 50 years and adding new poems, it was time to put it all together in collections and a website, including a translation of Paul Eluard’s “La Vie immediate” into English. I have given readings at various local venues, and have currently four published poetry collections on Amazon.
I have been active in the Pongo poetry method, which helps people connect with poetry as a therapeutic activity. I have done volunteer work with asylum seeker groups and in grief counseling organizations. I have organized various “creativity” workshops using Ekphrastic prompting through art and music.
I play the classical guitar and preform in various non recital events: perfect for art openings, vineyards and wine tasting, poetry readings, restaurants, private parties and weddings.
I live in Washington DC with my wife Elaine. We have two sons and three grandchildren. I am the host of Poets on the Fringe, and DC Poetry workshop.