Harriet Diann Blakely

Offering peace on the anniversary of dear Diann's passing.

My deepest sympathy to your family. Our loving creator invites us to approach him in prayer, to pour out our heart to him. (Psalm 62:8) May he grant you guidance, strength and comfort during this time of sadness.

Diann was a wonderful poet and a dear friend. Her passion for connecting people was a great gift to us all. We met at Bread Loaf, saw each other over the years and kept up a conversation about poetry, especially the State of Southern Poetry. I'm ever grateful for the time I spent with her at Harpeth Hall.

I like the idea that the super moon of the past couple of nights was the universe's way of welcoming Diann Blakely to a higher realm of unfailing love and noble genius, a place where she is likely to fit very well. It shined with the same kind of luminous majesty that attracted so many to Diann's profound craftsmanship as a poet and to her inspiring grace as a human being. When another great poet, Maya Angelou, passed earlier this year, I noted how wise so many in the world had been to...

Diann loved poetry, and in particular Southern poetry and poets. I knew her to be a gifted and passionate poet as well as a patron to other artists and a teacher. She also felt a kinship with the people of New Orleans and blues singers. Diann did not want people in general to know how ill she was, and despite knowing, I was still stunned to learn of her passing. My condolences to her family and many friends.

My sympathy goes out to the family during your time of grief. May God's loving-kindness comfort you and help you through this difficult time. (Psalm 119:50,76)

I had the pleasure of working with Diann when she attended Vermont College long ago. Working with her was like working with a peer. She was engaged and immensely talented, and she will be missed.

Those of us here at Vermont College who worked with and knew Diann will miss hearing from her and seeing her contributions and dedication to the world of poetry. Our deepest sympathies to her family.

Our last conversation was one that included a discussion of the poet e. e. cummings whose work we both enjoyed. A beautiful and talented lady whom we all will miss.
Ed