Artist Statement by Kenneth May:
Etheridge was a larger than life figure. He remains as such. So, even thirty-three years later, it feels impossible to write a poem worthy of his essence and contributions to my life. My gratitude for him continues to expand into widening circles. His credo of “The Poem / The Poet / The People” still resonates in our contemporary time. His spirit created the collaboration of the poem / the artwork / the music. I am grateful to Michael Melson for creating the image, to Gordon Bazsali, Jr. for composing the music and video, and to the Indianapolis Review for publishing the poem and sharing our collective creative contribution.
