Readers of Ping Pong Poems should not be misled by the playful title, for this poetic dialogue goes to the very heart of what it means to be human…The poetic interaction comes full circle, ending as it began on a note of wonder and even reverence which seems especially welcome in our present epoch of rancor and division… its pervasive intensity and honesty is guaranteed to deepen compassion and “green” the faith of all who make the happy decision to read it–what a gift! 

Carol Coffee Reposa, Poet Laureate of Texas (2018)

Ping Pong Poems began as an invitation from Susan Maxwell Campbell to join her in a poetic dialogue. The ground rules were simple. She would send me a poem, having read it, I would at my leisure respond with a poem of my own inspired by something in her lines that resonated with me. It could be the title, a line, the general gist or even one word. Her poems proved excellent prompts. Susan is erudite, witty and curious, making her a fine companion for any journey.

I’m not a big fan of confessional poetry, though I love a good anecdote or relevant memory as long as it’s grounded in some meaningful larger context.  Susan and I are well-matched in this regard. In Ping Pong Poems we range through cultures and across landscapes never knowing where our next jump will take us, pausing occasionally for a good meal or a light flirtation with the locals, but always coming home to ourselves.

I hope the pleasure and excitement we experienced in the writing translates for you as you read our book. Going further, I urge you to find a fellow writer and duplicate our process. Susan was an acquaintance when we began, but this dialog grew unexpectedly intimate as we opened our minds to one another. A powerful friendship evolved out of our correspondence with these poems, for which I am profoundly grateful.