"OH GOOD: MOI CAN CONTINUE TO DEGENERATE..."

for some reason, was one of my initial responses to Barry Schwabsky's contribution to a celebration of the 90th birthday of his teacher, Daniel Hoffman, over HERE. 

A more important reaction was my thought of how complicated it can be to teach/model compassion ... and I'm glad Mr. Hoffman was successful with Mr. Schwabsky. 

I once wrote to Mr. Hoffman.  He replied.  Utterly gracious of him.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Daniel Hoffman.

And Barry Schwabsky?  Bless you, dear ...

Oh, and Jose Garcia Villa?  Calm down: you know I love you.