but this is more important.

i respect langston hughes a lot, but i don't get into his work. i've been reading about his personal life and he's a fascinating man, an enigma of sorts as well.

gwendolyn brooks...i love maud martha, will cut someone over that book. though i dont think she'd like that, r.i.p. and we share a birthday...i love her brevity, the way she packs it in with a studied simplicity

shange got me to start writing poetry, i think. i dont write poetry anymore, least i dont consider it poetry, but i respect her muchisimo, especially as a novelist, essayist, and short story writer.

gayl jones. i need to pick up her books again, but i love me some her. she's witty and brilliant and she's been through hell and back, her style has changed but i like her old and new work, she understands several languages, she's my hero.

more later. i really need to get to work.