Poet Profile

John Martone

Heard Italian in his infancy. Grew up reading Dickinson in Whitman’s hometown (Huntington New York), and found Rexroth, Blyth, and Laozi in an underground bookstore. Came to Eigner years later, and Samperi; corresponded with Corman close to twenty years. During this time, produced tel-let booklets by nearly 100 poets. Bob Lax. Vietnamese, Chinese, and botany. Failure at Japanese. Publishes most of his work in small, handbuilt editions. Beautiful daughters. Pen-names include ordinary fool and worst of sinners. Poetry is life.

Books Published: forest frottage; this is visual poetry (by john martone); ksana (Winchester VA: Red Moon Press, 2009); terraria (Gardnerville, NV: Country Valley Press, 2005); treehouse (Brattleboro VT: Longhouse, 2005); dogwood & honeysuckle (Winchester VA: Red Moon Press, 2004); rainy season notes (Sendai [Japan]: Bookgirl Press, 2000); no roof (Brattleboro: Longhouse, 1998); heartwood (Jamaica VT: Bull Thistle Press, 1998); dwelling (Portland: Irving Street Press, 1996); primer (Port Charlotte, FL: RASP books, 1994); far human character (Port Charlotte, FL: RASP books, 1991); trousseau (Port Charlotte, FL: RASP books, 1991); Ocean Vows (Providence: Copper Beech Press, 1983).  Many other titles privately printed.

grain elevators the emptiness

walking
     till youre
        out of you

don't need
any reason
park bench

rabbit-tracks
finger-lakes!

18 sheep & cloudless sky

Credits: "grain elevators" - Modern Haiku 42.1 (2011); all other selections: ksana (Winchester VA: Red Moon Press, 2009).