Review by Sharon Brunner
t. kilgore splake
The journey of a prominent Upper Peninsula poet, T. Kilgore Splake, was as significant as the destination, as Robert M. Zoschke details in his new biography The Road to Splake. Thomas Smith, Splake’s given name, grew up in Three Rivers, Michigan with two older sisters. His father provided him with support while his mother was domineering and punitive. He lost his father when he was in high school. Splake looked for way out of his situation. He tried to enlist in the Navy. Passed the entrance exam with flying colors. Health issues caused him to forego that dream. Splake sought refuge with his sister to finish high school and then attended Western University in Kalamazoo which led him to a teaching career. Splake wrestled with failed intimate relationships. Finished paying child support so he pursued an early retirement.
After leaving his teaching job, he packed up his meager belongings and headed north to points unknown. His old car, on its last legs, held all his writing supplies. He explored parts of the Upper Peninsula in Michigan (U.P.). One of his first stops were Eagle River. When he drove on a state highway after exploring Eagle River, he veered off at Calumet. Ventured to 5th Street. Saw a few vacant buildings and then noticed people parked near a building. Interested he walked over to the building and discovered it was an Art Gallery with an open sign. Above the gallery was a sign, apartment for rent. He rented the apartment. Calumet became his permanent residence. He not only became a dedicated poet, he also sought a career in photography recommended by one of his divorced wives. Many of his photos were displayed at art shows. He was thrilled that his poetry was published all across the American Underground Press. Northern Michigan University located in the U.P. also featured his poetry. He has continued to live a life of determination and structure to accomplish his writing goals.
The author, Robert M. Zoschke, depicted Splake’s life in chronological order through poignant pictures and informative narrative. Many of the pictures in the book also came from Splake’s camera. Zoschke clearly delineated Splake’s place of work in Calumet as a command center filled with books and writing supplies. Zoschke formed a long-lasting and cohesive relationship with Splake which offered life-changing ideologies.
The book was entertaining and informative. A quick read with lots of photographs. T. Kilgore Splake is a person people would find interesting and many people continue to visit the poet tree inspired by him.
Review by Sharon Brunner
Book: Roads Not Traveled: Collection of Poems
Author: T. Kilgore Splake
The poems in this book were inspired by Robert Frost. Travelers are strongly affected by the decisions they make, for better or worse. T. Kilgore Splake felt forced to take a path less wanted instead of a naval career. Teaching at the college level had its ups and downs. It was not what gave him life satisfaction. He pursued a starving artist path in a small U.P. Michigan village, Calumet. Driven by his creative forthcomings, he set up a life for himself filled with dedication, determination and structure. He has published over 30 poetry books and poetry DVDs.
One of the poems from this book:
ancient Nikon camera
like cartier-bresson’s old leica
passport beyond ordinary
Another poem:
triple espresso caffeine hit
sugar jolt of cola
poet ready for blank page
The poet provided approximately 100 poems in this poetry book. This creative work is thought provoking.
Thank you for the perceptive and appreciated review of The Road to Splake. Splake is indeed a profound, iconic, singular poet. A true Troubadour Laureate.