UPHILL BOTH WAYS: CONFESSIONS OF A CATHOLIC COLLEGE ALUM

is the title of poet-friend Sal Parlato's reminiscences of his Catholic college experiences in the 1950s. Sal's usual wit and wordplay are prominent in this quick read.

I first met Sal back in 2002 and learned that we have a common past: we both come from the Buffalo area originally. We have both also taught English as a second language right here in the Rochester area, though in different programs.

Sal's led a busy life. To see what he's been up to check out his web site at www.wordsandthensome.com.

Artworks & Poetwords Reprise

The Artworks & Poetwords collaborative project has finally come to fruition. The display will be on exhibit every weekend in May, with artist and poet talks as well as readings highlighting the collaborative process.

The exhibit will be held at the Dome Arena in the Glass Lounge, immediately to the left after entering the main building. An opening reception will be held there on Friday, May 4 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm. Several poets will be reading their work to the background accompaniment of Len Messeneo and Blue Cloud. Refreshments will be provided. There will also be a cash bar.

My collaboration with abstract expressionist Antoni Ooto resulted in a print of his painting alongside my poem "Talus." You'll have to attend the exhibit to see for yourself how both the art and the poetry complement each other.

For more information on the exhibit, visit the web site for the Rochester Art Club at www.rochesterartclub.org/.