Join CavanKerry press mates Cindy Veach, Joseph O. Legaspi, and Margo Taft Stever read at the Bryant Park Poetry Series.
CavanKerry Readers at The KGB Bar Red Room: Harriet Levin Millan, Joseph Legaspi, January O’Neil and Danny Shot
Joseph O. Legaspi Goes In Depth About New Book Threshold
Nin Andrews interviewed Joseph O. Legaspi on a range of subjects mentioned in his new book Threshold. The book is available right now in the CavanKerry Press book store.
Read the full interview below.
Nin Andrews: This is such a great book, mesmerizing from beginning to end. I love the opening poem, a lovely erotic poem in which you have this great revelation, i.e. that your father is not in the bedroom with you. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to laugh or cry. I wondered if you might say a few words about the writing of the poem?
Joseph O. Legaspi: I’d say react as you so inclined. I also find that particular revelation funny, yet beguiling, lonely, defiant. It was an instance in my feverish writing of the first draft of the poem in which I took pause, but the moment felt right to me. It’s a line against shame, really. The weightiest kind: filial, paternal. Growing up I had a fraught relationship with my father, that of awe, fear, and mystery. But then to adore his body, the masculine physique, to be drawn to it, threw me for a loop, adding a torturous dimension to desire.
“At the Movies with My Mother” from the book Threshold
Enjoy the final poem selected by author Joseph O. Legaspi from his new book Threshold.
Being one of five children, I cherished my time alone with my mother. I liked to think I was her favorite, that her spending time with me was intentional. She would tell everyone that she was taking me to help her with her errands, but then she’d steal me away into a cavernous movie theater—like being inside of a whale—where we luxuriate in the air-conditioned darkness, shielded from the equatorial sun. I loved being there with my mother, in another world projected in light, yet a whole world of our own.
– Joseph O. Legaspi
Author Joseph O. Legaspi Shares Moose from Threshold
True story. At least it was narrated as true. And yes, I do find myself frequently in the company of women. I grew up around women, and I credit them in making me an artist, in keeping me safe. All my life I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by storytellers and women of humor, grace, and substance.
– Joseph O. Legaspi
Read the poem Moose written by Joseph O. Legaspi.
Author Joseph O. Legaspi Shares Favorite Poems from Threshold (Pt. 2)
We asked author Joseph O. Legaspi to share five (5) of his favorite poems from the new poetry book Threshold.
Here’s another poem selected by author Joseph O. Legaspi.
Published and distributed as part of the Academy of American Poets’ Poem-a-Day, I reiterate what I wrote then, which accompanied the poem: “Simply, unabashedly, this poem is inspired by, dedicated to, and about my beloved, the Dolly to my Lucinda, my husband.”
– Joseph O. Legaspi
Read the poem Whom You Love written by Joseph O. Legaspi.
Author Joseph O. Legaspi Shares Favorite Poems from Threshold
We asked author Joseph O. Legaspi to share five (5) of his favorite poems from the new poetry book Threshold.
Read on to find out which poems author Joseph O. Legaspi selected.
When assembling the manuscript that was to be Threshold, I was surprised (but not really) of the number of wedding and marriage poems in the collection, which not only helped me decide on the title, but in structuring the book. This poem is one of the earlier ones I wrote, marveling at the pre-wedding rituals of our American nuptial institution.
– Joseph O. Legaspi
Here is the poem At the Bridal Shop written by Joseph O. Legaspi.
