Robert Bly

I am sad to read of the passing of the poet, Robert Bly. When I was a beginning poet, Mr. Bly was instrumental in introducing me to the many translations of international poets through his journals, the Fifties and Sixties. We corresponded frequently over those years, discussing the nature of poetry, while he often referred me to additional reading, such as the works of Bachelard. And while we didn't always see eye to eye on certain writer, like Sandburg, he was extremely kind with his time and wisdom, and I will always remember him and be grateful to have met him.

I met Robert at a mythopoetic men's retreat near Seattle c. 1980. Also met Terry Dobson and William Stafford there, also Michael Meade, James Hillman and others, all of whom I enjoyed greatly

I am grateful for the insights Robert brought to me. As a woman, I learned a lot about myself by tuning into the men's movement.

So sorry..I always liked watching his interviews on Howard Community College in Columbia..Rest in peace sir...

I really enjoyed his works and his personality. I especially enjoyed his PBS presentation titled "A Gathering of Men". All men and women reading would do well to watch it and learn. So 2 greats ones that I know of have now passed. John Bradshaw in 2016 and now Robert Bly in 2021. May they both be busy helping all in need on the other side.

To the family, many, many friends and colleagues of this nice man Mr. Robert Bly fine comfort with you during this difficult time in your lives. We will missed Mr. Robert Bly's presence and his many contributions to his community. Robert Bly was a poet and writer best known for his 1990 book "Iron John: A Book About Men." May the love and the special memory you shared and cherish with him show just how much your life was touched by him. May you find comfort in your wealth of fond memories together with Mr. Robert Bly. May the God of comfort bless your grieving hearts with strength, loving kindness and peace as the world copes with the loss of Mr. Robert Bly. He will be greatly missed, but not forgotten.

With sympathy to the family of Robert Bly. May God comfort your sad hearts at this time of sorrow.

My condolences.

Thanks for being you Robert and sharing your journey!

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Did not know if him....but glad to have discovered his works! Will cherish them!

Iron John a fairy tale? That is very light. The story, and Bly’s book, touch the very bedrock of human experience.
In 1993, I dreamed the story of an old man emerging from the rock at the bottom of a lake. It was frightening as dreams can be. Most of the elements of this 5000 year old story of the wild man, or rust man, were in my dream. Iron John, who I had never heard of, appeared in my dreams periodically over the following decade.
Once I told the dream to a Jungian Analyst while in therapy. Typical of an Jungian, (which Bly associated with but did not refer himself as), my Analyst simply asked me if I had read Bly’s book. I said I hadn’t.

About three months later, I saw the book at the bookstore and bought a the copy. The “fairy tale” and my dream were amazingly similar. I can assure you my mother never read this story to me and would have thought it unchristian. It is also a complex story, nothing that would interest a child.

Robert Bly’s writings about the disconnect between fathers and sons played out tragically in my life. The grief men in our culture carry with them, which Bly encouraged to share with each other in the 1990’s men movement, is very real. It’s a harsh reality.

I met Robert Bly at a conference at Pacifica around 2009. That night I dreamed I saw him in the library, and he said, “Follow me.”
My life is inexplicably intertwined with the story of Iron John. Robert Bly touched my soul with his book. I just wanted his family to know.

My condolences to the Bly Family and relatives! Roselle Jacobson is my mother who has also passed away.

THANK YOU, ROBERT, For: Wild Men !

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.