ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Sunday, February 25, 1996              TAG: 9602270007
SECTION: BOOKS                    PAGE: G-5  EDITION: METRO 
                                             TYPE: BOOK REVIEW 
SOURCE: REVIEWED BY DAN GRIBBIN

BOOKMARKS

DEAD SNAKES, CATS, AND THE IRS. Edited by Anne Cheney. Price not listed.

Poets. They don't fit in, but who wants to? To read, to write, to share a bit of rhythm. Pursuing the muse nobly independent of crass commercialism. Now that's poetry.

Unlike a lot of other activities that get considerable press these days, poetry is both safe and incendiary, especially when pursued among friends. So what if there's no money in it? People who write for bucks mostly crack under the pressure, anyway. Regional poetry dares to be different, dares to be mendicant. Yes, Virginia, just now, when culture in the commonwealth is taking a deep political bashing (and when isn't it?), along comes "Dead Snakes, Cats, and the IRS," companion volume to the acclaimed PBS series "Rock 'n' Roll"!

That's a bald-faced lie designed to drum up business. Actually, though, most of the poems in this volume were inspired by rock stars, rock lyrics and rock concerts. They may even have been written by people a few degrees off their rockers - enthusiastic poets, all. The book is a testament to a place (Blacksburg), a time (the Grateful Dead era) and a group (organized by Anne Cheney) who've obviously enjoyed each other's art, company and inspiration to a point that bears looking into.

Those tuned into rock culture might appreciate this book most as a record of the turbulent times. The poetry is uneven. I guess that makes it odd. You'll probably see yourself in a few of its pages. I liked Theresa Gillespie's poetry most, but then I ride a motorcycle.

Editor's note: This review was written before the death of Theresa Gillespie, whose poetry is mentioned and who served as associate editor of the collection.

Dan Gribbin teaches at Ferrum College and reviews films as the Ferrum Ferret in the Cinema POV corner on America Online.

Bookmarks is a regular feature of the book page that will focus on books, writers and literary events of local and regional interest and importance.

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