Preface - Electronic Poetry Center

aised by any of the women; a declaration of freedom from obligation to
respond, as if nonresponse were a virtue; a rhetorical device used by a fellow
who would rather not say so baldly, "Hey, let’s talk about me for a minute."
Since it does not include a constructive suggestion for a new topic, I read it
simply as a sulk. I welcomed Juliana Spahr’s voice (hello, Juliana); whether she
is an ally or not is no consideration of mine, since I am not currently fighting a
war or planning a coup. I am interested in hearing more women’s voices and
more men’s voices, even if they are raised to disagree with me.
The role of curmudgeon suits some men well, though when women attempt to
play it they are most often redefined as witches, bitches, or shrews.
And it is very good to see the lurkers come out to play.