In a dark crowded Rio club he approaches the microphone with superb assurance, the long slinky black gown by Jean-Louis hugging his every curve . . . a glorious mane of red-gold curls flows behind him, seductive even inGilda's black and white . . . while peeling off one long clingy opera glove he sings "Put the Blame on Mame" in a sultry croak . . . no . . . wait . . . that wasRita Hayworth. . . . This is Tom Raworth, the legendary UK poet, the dean of "English language writing," making his first appearance at Small Press Traffic. He's written forty books including a recent Selected Poems 1987-1995 Clean & Well Lit (Roof Books). He approaches the microphone with superb assurance. . . .
February 13, 1998
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