Transcript for episode 87

 Elise:

Sam and I recorded this conversation in July 2020, when covid cases were low and government restrictions on gatherings had eased. We talked in person, socially distanced, with outdoor airflow—and you may hear some of these conditions in the audio. I hope you enjoy this episode.

My guest today is Samuel Hazo. How should I begin to describe his impressive and long-lasting career? Perhaps by telling you that his collection of poems Once for the Last Bandit was a finalist for the National Book Award or that he was Pennsylvania's first Poet Laureate, serving in that capacity from 1993 until 2003. Or perhaps I should mention the International Poetry Forum, which he founded in 1966 and directed until 2009, and which brought to Pittsburgh major poets of the 20th century and international leaders, such as Princess grace of Monaco. Or maybe I should detail his distinguished teaching career in Duquesne University’s English department, as he is now the MacAnulty Distinguished Professor of English Emeritus. Or perhaps I should simply say that Samuel Hazo is a lifelong Pittsburgher whose deepest concerns are family, Christianity, war, suffering, and the mystery of death. Sam, welcome.

Samuel:

Thank you very much, Elise.