Speeches

Figures of speech. The many speeches I’ve given at poetry events are mostly lost, or were given extemporaneously based on notes. The following, however, are selected speeches for which I have a record. I wish I still had a copy of the speech I gave for my college graduation, in which I quoted E. E. Cummings as well as Jimi Hendrix: “Let’s touch the sky” and “Excuse me while I kiss the sky.” I wish I had also quoted Rumi, who said, “Only from the heart can you touch the sky.” For related articles, especially about Haiku North America, please also see the Reports page. For a variety of speech and event photos, see Appearances (scroll down).

If you have any comments or questions, please contact Michael Dylan Welch.