With this issue I bid a close to two years of publishing and editing this ezine.  Of course that means the 2nd anniversary issue will be next month, I shouldn't say too much more about that since that will take away all the fun from the future issue.  Let me say, though there are some exciting issues in the works.  This will be a special summer at the ezine, so watch for the announcements in the forthcoming issues.
    I mentioned I didn't have an idea for a theme, however events in Montreal have given me the concept.  What had taken place was a special symposium on Leonard Cohen.  Fans from around the globe gathered to discuss their admiration for the man and his work.  I'll have more to say about Leonard later in this issue.
    There is also a special insert, my third ezine "Exit 522 on the Cosmic Highway", there are a couple of reviews, including one of a fabulous e-book, and a poem.

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Review

    The title is a parable from the Book of Sufi; "only a bird understands the textbook of a rose..."  Joann McCaig has written a very well crafted and delightful novel.  This is her first book and so her development as a novelist should be watched with interest.  Let me say this book is not a straightforward novel, in fact one may mistake it for a collection of short stories set around the same characters.  The main character, Stella, is introduced in the prologue and from there the book begins a series of narratives.  Each narrative, which is called the "Passus" section, examines the life of Stella, her friends and colleagues at various intervals of their lives.  I did learn "Passus" is latin for 'step' and also refers to a section of a story or poem. The book "Textbook for a Rose" is a fine novel.
    Stella, after the prologue becomes a professor of medieval literature and her life is not staid or quiet.  She gets married raises a family, gets a divorce and then falls for a younger man.  She becomes pregnant and loses her lover.
    However, life continues to unfold;  the death of a friend from the past brings Stella and her ex together, but that's as far as it gets.
    This book contains no happy ending, no reconciliation, just a faithful examination of the everyday affairs of life.  We are at times, not the principle actors in the drama which is our lives but are sometimes, just the audience to what is happening around us.  This book is worth finding and reading.

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Poetry
 
 
 

        As I mentioned in some of my early issues, I've been influenced and moved by the words of Leonard Cohen.  Although I must say, this influencing took place later in my life.  I wasn't one of those deep sensitive college students-I don't think such a thing existed in the political science department.  We were too busy planing the overthrow of the state and establishing a worker's paradise for such nonsense.
    Later on, now that I'm older, I realize such a though was a bit silly.  Leonard has an appeal that transcends all other appeals and interests.  Since the late 80's he has been an influence to various degrees in my life.
    I don't think you can study the words of Leonard for any length of time without being impacted in some way by his words.  What about those words, he mixes the sacred and profane, the aesthetic and the sensual.  He is truly an angel and a demon.  He strives to connect to God and also to bed the ladies.  He has been called the thinking women's ladies man and a quick read will make you understand.  He uses words that makes the rest of us look like rank amateurs.  Maybe we are, perhaps there is only one Leonard Cohen and we are lucky to breathe the same air.  How else are we to understand the appeal this man has, here he is, living most of his time at the Mt. Baldy Buddhist Monastery, but still having an effect on people, especially the women.
    If you ever thought about learning more, there is the biography by Ira Nadel, and the National Film Board of Canada made a documentary;  "Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Leonard Cohen".  It examines his life and poetry during the early to mid 60's in Montreal.  Now that was an exciting time, the city was emerging to full flower  thanks to the "Quiet Revolution".  It was developing its reputation as a cosmopolitan city that blended North America with the culture of Europe.  It was a place where:  " an angst ridden young Jewish poet.." could arrive and sweep up the literary scene by his words.
    Perhaps its is the angst which allows him to occasionally, poke fun at himself, for example in the poem:  "A Different Drum"

    Does he not take himself serious?  Doesn't he know the effect his words have upon others.  Perhaps he does, and has enough confidence and such a firm grasp of reality that he can write those words and not come off attempting to sound 'humble'.  He knows himself and he's comfortable.
    Also, he words speak of his spiritual quest.  He doesn't separate this from the flesh at all.  This may explain why young men have used his words to woo young women, the spiritual and transcended nature appeal to the madonna and the madame.
    He has also remained true with his roots, the religion of his people is prevalent and does show himself as a pilgrim, seeking a quest.

for Leonard Cohen

Final Words

    Since writing the opening words I do have to make this announcement.  I have been transferred.  Its job related.  What this means is that the AGT family of Ezines will be moving to a new location and to a new world headquarters.  The move will be taking place at the end of June, so this may affect the July issue.  This does not mean an end to any of the ezines, just a delay.  July is both the anniversary and my birthday ( happy birthday to me!).  Look for it to come, sometime in July.

As always: As always, the works in this publication are copyright by the various authors.  Respect their creativity. ©2000.  Produced by Paul, from his computer.
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