Summer, 2012

Hello, Friends--

This is Greg Vogel, D.H.'s son and Webmaster.  If you've been wondering what D.H. is up to, here's the news.  She suffered a mild stroke in late March, was hospitalized, and underwent a lengthy rehab.  Meanwhile, my sister Dana and I spent a great deal of time in NYC, visiting D.H. and managing her household and medical matters.  On August 1, we all flew to Los Angeles, and D.H. took up residence in a nice skilled nursing facility near where I live in Long Beach, CA. 

D.H. is no longer on computer, and Dana and I are trying to respond to emails, etc. as time permits.  Meanwhile, if you'd like to send D.H. a note, you can use the contact form on this site, and I will get it and deliver it.  You can also use the form to request her mailing address if you'd like to send a card or have other matters such as publishing or permissions. 

I see D.H. pretty much every day.  She's adjusting to her new life out West, and enjoying time with family.  Thanks to all for your kind words and well wishes.  We will pass them on!

Best regards,

Greg Vogel

p.s. D.H. has recorded much more of her poetry on audio, and I will be posting those files as well on this site periodically.

Fall 2011

First, some updates on IWWG: The IWWG Conference at Yale University succeeded in attracting new (and old) friends.  Its rave reviews included the quality and variety of workshops and leaders and the facilities of the campus. Yale welcomed the attendees with warmth and hospitality. 

A New Role For EJS:  Founder and former executive director Hannelore Hahn, who has held both positions since the Guild’s inception, has announced her daughter, Elizabeth Julia Stoumen will assume a new position as Associate Director and Network Editor.  Elizabeth writes the dynamic column, “Dolphin’s Den,” for the Guild’s quarterly (available online and in hard copy), which she edits.  FORTHCOMING EVENT:  BIG APPLE CONFERENCE, OCT. 15-16, AT NATIONAL ARTS CLUB.

Reviews, etc.: Another favorable review of Art and Politics / Politics and Art (Syracuse Univ. Press. 2010), this time from Banipal, the elegant British “Magazine of Modern Arab Literature.” The reviewer comments:  “The final section, ‘Wars,’ presents Melhem’s most intense poetry.  On the Gaza War she writes:  ‘Weighted by tear-load/ words can’t go far/ bombs bear steel teeth/ to phosphorous flames/ parsing the wailing/ pages of flesh.’  A work of poetry that flagrantly defends universal human values in difficult times.” 

For other recent commentary, including Midwest Book Review, Al Jadid, and Confrontation, see preceding News & Notes, Summer 2011.

I was interviewed for the 9/11 issue of Phati’tude:  Bridging the Cultural Divide:  Remembering September 11^th--along with several other writers.  The issue will be available this month.  It will also include my poem “September 11, 2001, World Trade Center: Aftermath.”

I can’t resist quoting a brilliant and richly merited review of Philip Appleman’s latest book, Perfidious Proverbs and Other Poems: A Satirical Look at the Bible (Humanity Books, 2011), “a sequel with every bit of the irreverence of Karma, Dharma, Pudding and Pie, but plenty more of the bitterness that distinguished the Roman satirist Juvenal from his more salubrious predecessor Horace. The sarcasm seething in Appleman’s thirty-year retrospective volume, Perfidious Proverbs, suggests that its author, one of America’s foremost wits, has not mellowed but, rather, is now more fed up than ever. . .”   James Reiss, in Gently Read Literature, September  2011.

I wish you all a good season, creatively, healthwise, and buoyed by a Congress that just might find a way to govern intelligently and fairly--prodded, necessarily, by an aroused, if not irate, electorate.  Peace.

Summer 2011

Dear Friends:  Reluctantly, I’ll have to skip the forthcoming 34^th Annual International Women’s Writing Guild (IWWG) Summer Writing Conference “For Self Discovery and Inspiration” (June 24-July 1, 2011) at historic Yale University—an exciting new venue for the Guild.  “You can join us for a day, a few days, or spend the week immersing yourself in writing with a supportive community of women who write.”  Don’t miss this unique opportunity.  June 24 is almost here!

Reviews and comments regarding Art and Politics / Politics and Art (Syracuse University Press, 2010), continue to surface.  Here’s one from Midwest Book Review, on Amazon.com:

5.0 out of 5 stars, August 9, 2010.  Highly recommended.

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)  

The world of art and politics have a unique history with one another. "Art and Politics, Politics and Art" is a collection of poetry from D. H. Melhem as she presents a unique collection of poetry focusing on this history, presenting many new perspectives and thoughts on these events. "Art and Politics, Politics and Art" is a thoughtful and entertaining read, highly recommended. "Email Surveillance": hops/on my shoulder/looks over it/swims through my gaze/waves from computer screen/floats/on my surfride/dives/into my hard drive.”

Other comments: 

Confrontation, Spring 2011.  Martin Tucker, “Books Received and Recommended”:  “A collection of poems on the inseparable bonds of politics and art.  Melhem, a dedicated activist, looks back at her roots and celebrates the rewarding sacrifices of commitment.” 

Al Jadid, Vol. 16, No. 62 (2010).  Lynne Rogers, “Chariots and Street Corners”:  “In the post 9/11 climate, Melhem’s poetry lends an emotional and intellectual depth to the concerns of Arab Americans, as they witness their own country wage war on other Arabs in distant lands.  Her poems would appeal to any humanistic sensibility.” 

Late-breaking news:  And Then, No. 16, 2011, Robert Roth’s avant-garde annual, is just out!  My new poem, “Iguazú: A Christmas Story,” appears in the issue.  You can order a copy of the magazine by sending a check for $9.00 (includes postage) made out to Robert Roth, 210 West 10th St. Apt. 3D, NYC 10014.

Also, In addition to www.robertagould.net, poet Roberta Gould has a lively, brand-new “blog/poetry website” that’s well worth checking out:  http://robertagould.wordpress.com . 

Have a restful and creative summer!