For most of us poetry is a form of noise that poets make because they can. Like birds, poets are more active in the spring. Like dogs, poets growl if you get too close to their easy chairs, but respond well to any show of affection. Poets are not even-tempered creatures, but are nicer after a few drinks. They expect too much of their wives and too little of their children. I am at liberty to tell you all this because I am a special breed of poet whose noises are pure music . . .

Robert Rhodes has been a teacher, editor, published poet, translator, director of a museum, and a major figure in the Live Poets Society. He was born in the South, attended U of Florida and UNM and has an MA and a PhD. He is married, has five children, lives in Santa Fe, writes poems and walks his dog.