Iron John | Litsy

Iron John: A Book about Men | Robert Bly

Sad news today of Robert Bly's passing, yet fond recollections of teaching Interpersonal Communication courses using his poetry many years ago. Heartfelt condolences to his family. He is the father of our own #litsyauthor @EloisaJames (Mary Bly). Photo and link to his obituary from AP.
https://www.aol.com/news/prominent-minnesota-poet-writer-robert-192038306-223807...

lynneamch #Poet Robert Bly born on this day, December 23, as noted by the Writer's Almanac, featuring the #poem "The Call Away." 3y

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AliBG

Iron John: A Book about Men | Robert Bly

#publishedinthe1990s is an irresistible challenge for me since I graduated high school in 95. The boy I worshipped was into this book, and I read it in his honor.

It's very into intrinsic maleness, but it taught me something important: how to read fairy tales for liberation.

Christine Hepperman does this on her feminist poems, POISONED APPLES.

EloisaJames Years ago my dad (Robert B) offered me $100 to 'take any sexism out of the ms of Iron John.' I was in grad school at Yale then (very theory-oriented). I remember calling him up and telling him that a lot of feminists would never like it, but it really was about men, not women. I still meet men all the time who say it shaped their lives. 8y

AliBG @EloisaJames What a cool story! I forgot RB was your dad. For years after that, well-meaning people said I needed to read WOMEN WHO RUN WITH THE WOLVES, but it was a big fat book about grown up women and I was a undergrad. Besides, IRON JOHN had taught me HOW to read myths and stories with that psychological lens. I decided I could figure out the specifics for myself. 8y

EloisaJames @AliBG all you need is one set of glasses, after all! 8y

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lynneamch @EloisaJames When I taught Interpersonal Comm I used the conversation between RB and Deborah Tannen. Great classroom discussions. We also spent a lot of time on his poem, Listening to the Koln Concert. Words that continue to resonate with me: The inner nest not made by instinct

will never be quite round,

and each has to enter the nest

made by the other imperfect bird. ❤❤💕 8y

EloisaJames @lynneamch he loved that conversation so much. I remember him crowing about how it was set up to be a battle of the sexes but turned into something far more interesting! 8y

lynneamch @EloisaJames Absolutely. He touched so many people and it does my heart good to know that I was able to share his thoughtful approach with others. He must have taken great pride in your success, as well. I'm thankful for this Litsy connection & look forward to reading your work. 💖 8y

lynneamch And, thank you @AliBG for your original post that brought me such fond memories. Litsy continues to delight me in so many unexpected ways. ❤ 8y

AliBG Thanks @lynneamch 8y

EloisaJames @lynneamch 💕💕 8y

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