http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVjThtw6XMk
After reading the NY Times article announcing Philip Levine as our next US Poet Laureate, it’s poetic to put this up as he is a voice who speaks for the working class. His words are not the flowery words of love, but the words of one who has struggled as much as anyone for what he wanted. Wanting to do this announcement justice, a video clip seemed more appropriate than a two-dimensional image. Poetry is made up of cavorting words that sometimes require more than a piece of paper.
As I looked for the right video of Philip Levine on YouTube, I came across this moving rendition of “What Work Is” by Gabe Cortez. The camera work, the atmosphere, the juxtaposition of scene and voice makes this a memorable piece to experience. It seemed like a most fitting tribute to this moment.
And here’s Philip reading his poem, “Belle Isle”, as captured by Poetry Everywhere:
Nothing more needs to be said, except congratulations to Philip Levine as we are looking forward to your being the official voice of us all.
