Blues for Bill was born out of the desire to perpetuate the memory of
our dear friend and teacher, Bill Matthews. Bill's work will last
without our help, of course, but what of our memories of Bill himself?
This collection of poems ensures that the world will remember his
graciousness, intelligence, knowledge, style, good humor, capacity for
friendship, immense talent and wit. It's Bill himself this anthology
memorializes, the character and soul of this most unique man. The poems
included were written by people who knew Bill in a variety of ways,
under myriad circumstances: as friend, both old and new; as mentor and
teacher; as colleague; as father. The book's introduction was penned by
Bill's long-time friend, Russell Banks. Many of the contributors' names
will be familiar, such as Sharon Olds, Stanley Plumly, Dave Smith, Henry
Taylor, David Wojahn, Susan Wood, and Baron Wormser; others are perhaps
not as well known, but their poems are remarkable, true testaments to
Bill.