Poets are generally consumed by the notion that no one in the world understands how brilliant they are. But this year’s list of MacArthur fellows has not one but two poets, Kay Ryan and A. E. Stallings. Ms. Stallings in particular is a superb poet and a wonderful person, and I’m delighted and gratified that her work somehow came to the attention of the prize committee (and that they recognized its worth). And what is my connection? Several years ago, I traveled to Athens (Greece, not Georgia) and had the temerity to contact her in advance, asking if she’d care to get together for a quick cup of coffee. Of course, we did not know each other–we had appeared in the Best Amer. Poetry together, but that was it. Well, she took it one step further and arranged a dinner party, where I got the chance to meet not just her but many of her friends in the Athens literary world. She was as charming in person as she is in verse. I suppose it’s not surprising that someone so well steeped in the classics should still maintain the ancient offices of hospitality. In fact, a line or two from Roethke seems appropriate:

Congratulations, Ms. Stallings!