18 years ago I attended an event here in Yellow Springs called "Community Voices." One of the performers that evening was a gentleman who had recently moved to the village. Ira Brukner recited his poem "Questions" and I was captivated. After that I spent many months trying to persuade him to appear on the program. Finally, he agreed to make an appearance. And what an appearance it was!
Ira began the proceedings by reciting "Questions" for our radio audience. It took him ten minutes to do it and what an amazing rendition he gave that day. After that we talked about his newfound love, painting. Ira had recently become a painter and we discussed his painting techniques, styles, and artistic intent.
Ira died a few years ago. He was my friend. It was so good to revisit our conversation from 17 years ago and hear that powerful poetic voice and his sense of humor. Near the end of our discussion that day he turned the tables on me and became my interrogator. He was so full of mischief, that Ira Brukner.
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