Okay, a slow start, but that's to be expected. I did hear back from Franz Wright, a most generous hearted poet, who loves the idea of trying to get this thing in motion. I contacted the folks at a Prairie Home Companion, I contacted the Oprah show again, I contacted NPR, I contacted a few people I met at the Dodge, hoping they will want to help, I did some internet research to find out what colleges some of my favorite poets are teaching at and hoping to connect with them via their edu addresses. Nothing will deter me from this mission to save the Dodge as we know it and to grow it even bigger and better. Why should we be settling for the honor of being North America's largest poetry gathering when the entire world is ours for the picking...and for that matter, so is the universe!!!! I know we all can make a difference with this. Anyone showing up here must know of a poetry group, open mike venue, other poets who would be willing to donate time, organiza a fund raiser. Hey, that's another idea..... maybe Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springstein can volunteer their time for a fundraiser. I'm going to try, yes I am. I must get the word out and try to convince everyone possible that this is the time, this is the most important time of all, when America is weakened, hurt and bleeding...to turn to the hope, strength and beauty that poetry lends to our soul, keeping us strong and able to carry on just one more day. Yes, this is the time, the perfect time to pour our will and our hearts to this endeavor.