Noel Polk

Dragon Song

--remembering Noel

The land breeze was strong that morning,
so we decided to put the kite up first thing.
The tide was out, and as we ran across the wide strand
toward the cabin, the dragon´s huge red head ripped right
out of your hands like it was taking flight
on its own, the tail whipping along the sand
as I let the line out, the pull soon for me too strong
so we both tried to hold it until it began to burn
through our hands and we tied it to the porch
rail to soar there high above the Atlantic all day long,
the wind vibrating the line so that the whole cabin
hummed a note we not so much heard as felt
in our bones and from which we took our pitch
and harmonized old hymns all afternoon,
and then, even after the wind died toward evening
and the dragon came down, its song stayed with us
into the night, the rapture of waves breaking,
the rhythmic lift and fall of dark water, the crests
around us all afire with phosphorescence.

Noel was a remarkable, gifted scholar. I am sorry he has died; I shall miss him.

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

We are all missing him terribly and will say a special prayer for him on William Faulkner's birthday September 25.
The Pirate's Alley Faulkner Society, New Orleans

I am very sad to hear of Prof. Polk's passing. He worked with me closely on a Faulkner article that I published in the Mississippi Quarterly last year. I am deeply grateful for all of his advice and help in that regard.

Dr. Polk scared me senseless with his quick wit and critical analyses of my writings. However, he was a true Southerner in every way, which disarmed me and made him approachable at the same time.

I have taught high school and junior high English for the past 16 years. Dr. Polk made me a better teacher and a better person. He was my professor and advisor at USM, and I will never forget his influence.

I remember Noel in the cramped quarters of the English Dept at USM back in the 70s. I was a freshman/sophomore and he was a Professor but he was always available and easy to talk to. And funny! He will be missed!

He was a rermarkable scholar. I am shocked and sorry he is gone.

MaryAnn Wimsatt

DR MARYANN WIMSATT/DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR EMERITA/THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT COLUMBIA

He was a great scholar and a fine man, and I'll miss him.

The many many people whose lives were touched and enriched by your dad's scholarship, teaching, and friendship grieve this loss with you.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. I am very pleased to have had an opportunity to meet Dr. Polk in 2009, http://www.angelfire.com/wi/Carver/086chs070309.JPG!

Noel was a rare treasure, both intellectually and personally in our lives. He will be missed and remembered.

A huge loss to Southern studies.

Scott, My thoughts and prayers are with you
And your family. Fondly, Adele Wallace

I am very sorry for your loss. May you be have comfort in remembering fond memories of a life well lived. (Eccl 7:1)

The Pirate's Alley Faulkner Society, Inc. in New Orleans, where Mr. Faulkner wrote his first novel, mourns the passing of Noel Polk, who was a good friend to the Society, contributing many thoughtful commentaries during Faulkner Society programs beginning with the founding of the Society in 1990.
Rosemary James, Joseph J. DeSalvo, Jr. , and W. Kenneth Holditch, Co-Founders

Jennifer, so sorry to hear about your dad. Never met him but know what you all have been going through these past several months. He's in a better place now, and hopefully your grief will soon pass and you can remember the good times. God bless.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

I will treasure my signed Ms Quarterly forever!!!!!