Paul Lake III

Paul Lake was one of the few great American poets of the last 50 years. He immensely deserved the Richard Wilbur Prize, and had our Universities and literary cabals been all they ought to be, he would have been acknowledged as a major American poet whose verbal dexterity, emotional depth, and thematic range were second to none. He was also one of the finest, kindest, most genuine persons I have ever met, completely without the self-regarding egotism and affectations so often apparent among...

Memories of Paul in our formative years from middle school through college have often sustained me. We dueled in writing, especially in high school in Mrs. Miller's class. We were confirmed together at Trinity Lutheran church. Until my life took serious and busy turns I looked for his work and was so happy to read he flourished. So glad he reached the levels of notoriety for which he strove. I recall how earnest he was when he talked about meeting Tina at TSU, whom he thought was "the one"...

My condolences to the Lake family on the sad and untimely passing of your parents. Paul Lake III was the first real poet I ever knew, and I was lucky enough to take 2 of his classes as an undergrad at ATU. As a professor, he was kind and generous, and his love for language was inspiring and infectious. His voice was full of life, and hearing him read poetry was a transcending experience. The world has lost a great writer. RIP Mr. Lake. I will treasure your work even more today than before.