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Homage to Kenneth Patchen Born - Niles, Ohio - 1911 Died Jan. 1972

Kenneth, you've travelled many miles Since first you saw the light in Niles. And felt the steel mills burning breath And turned to thoughts of life and death. Weaving your poems in rich store To show the ghastliness of war And sometimes gentle as a dove To sing the praise of joy and love. Though mocked by critics from the schools You didn't need that pack of fools. Your fellow poets knew your worth And common folk from all the earth. Your broken body was so strong It fought to live to sing your songs With spirit like a flag unfurled Hope for a new and better world. Kenneth Patchen has gone to rest. Man of anger, man of light Do not go gentle into that good night.

Bill Wedlake