Acknowledgments
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We are indebted to many colleagues and friends who provided us with inspira-
tion, support and helpful feedback throughout the writing process.
Thanks to John Boyd of Bellarmine University Library for generous and
invaluable assistance with Interlibrary loan. John Gatton and Annette Powell have
offered the kind of moral support, inspirational conversation, and critical insight
of the best possible colleagues. Chris Chism, Pat Holt, and Michelle Trotta have
sustained me with support, conversation, and insight, as well as friendship and
love beyond measure. Thanks to Sally West for more than I can express, and to
Jack West for long-distance moral support and never-swerving faith in me.
Much appreciation to colleagues in the English Department of Missouri
State University, especially Keri Franklin, whose friendship I could never do
without. Thanks to WD Blackmon and Kris Sutliff for not noticing my absence
at meetings and to Barb Gressel and Wilma Catlin for their constant support
and friendship. For their perspectives on American poets, thanks also to Jane
Hoogestraat and Marcus Cafagña. It is an honor to work with MSU graduate
students, who are always enthusiastic about learning and reading; many thanks to
Jaimie Young, Isaiah Vianese, Steve Rucker, D. Gilson, Magi Smith, Jake Helton,
and students in ENG 700. Melanie Cox’s administrative help and biographical
research are also much appreciated. Love and gratitude to my family, especially
Patrick who brings me joy every day.