DAY 35 - ROD McKUEN

 Rod McKuen [35]

Love poet of the 1960s,

inspired her,

centered her in stillness.

She bought his book,

planned to give it, 

a 3rd anniversary present.

He'd already left by then.

She kept the book for years, 

not sure why, cried every time 

she saw it on the shelf.

Bitter keepsake of a lost future,

hurting journey from there to here.

*comments welcome.

First draft....

ROD McKUEN

love poet of the 1960s

inspired her

connected her to inner silence.

She bought his book

planned to give it as a 3rd anniversary present.

He'd already left her by then.

She kept the book for years.

She doesn't know why.

She cried every time she saw it on the bookshelf.

It's a long way from morning to evening.

"We come into the world alone. We go away the same. We're meant to spend the interlude between in closeness or so we tell ourselves. But it's a long way from the morning to the evening." ~ Rod McKuen

1950s, he began writing poetry and delivered his work at readings alongside the likes of Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. He also sang at Bay Area nightclubs and was briefly a contract player at Universal Pictures. He was a poet, lyricist, and songwriter. During his lifetime, he wrote dozens of books of poetry



Rod McKuen (1933–2015) was a wildly popular, best-selling American poet, singer, and composer in the 1960s and 1970s, known for his sentimental, wistful, and accessible style. Often called the "unofficial poet laureate of America", he sold millions of books and records focusing on love, loneliness, and nature. He also earned Oscar nominations for his music, including "Jean". 
Key aspects of Rod McKuen's life and career included:
• Prolific Output: McKuen produced over 30 books of poetry, roughly 200 record albums, and 1,500 songs.