Steve Kowit

Steve, the opening phrase of the song "I remember you" expresses the sentiment nicely. 5 notes within a 4th is a universe.

Steve Kowit seemed like a force of nature and even now it's difficult to imagine a world with out him.I can still hear his voice each time we met, I can still see him smiling, leaning in close, asking me if I was still "dry" , even twenty five years since my last drink. I can still hear him telling me to proofread my poems and prose better. I can still remember him telling to put a volume of my own work together and , for the love of God, send stuff out to the publishers. Life is rewarded by...

You have been a wonderful friend, a stalwart guide through my accidental activism, a cheerleader for my poetry, and so much more. You are always in my heart.

Steve gave many of us hope that the plight of animals in this Country, and the World, could improve if people spoke up and made others aware. He was truly inspiring and courageous.

I will miss his pensive eyes, gleaming on encounter, his attentive ears, carefully listening, but most of all I will miss Steve's voice and the lyric quality of his words. The parting verse from "The Workout," a mischievous promulgation by Steve, cannot but bring a smile, happiness, into the world: "I being by a long short younger, more athletic, slender, muscular & better looking." That's Steve, living in his poetry. Listen! It's not the wind, it ain't a song, it is Steve; one can still...

My very dear Steve,
You will always remain the Poet Laureate of San Diego, as you were always San Diego poets' greatest friend and supporter. You will also always remain our greatest advocate at D.G.Wills Books, not only giving memorable readings here for thirty-five years, but also introducing U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins when he appeared here.
Undying love and respect from all of us here,
Dennis G. Wills
D.G.Wills Books
La Jolla Cultural Society
La Jolla

Dear Steve, you are gone but will never be forgotten. Your kid heart always found time to help and inspire those of us who reached out to you. You always made me feel as if I was your best friend and I always appreciated it. I'm sure you had the same impact on all your friends. I love you my brother and I'll always miss you.

A kind, caring, person, a standard we should all live up too.
Victoria Bandy and Dusty

Steve both hit home and hit a home run with what a human being can really be when he does a damn good job of living. Steve was a living bodhisattva among us, compassionate to the nth degree, funny as hell, literate and articulate beyond my dreams. Steve taught me how one can truly live more full in each and every moment. He is teaching me still.