Riley’s ode to Trent U. In his own inimitable fashion.
Peterborough, Summer 1978, four poets were broadcast reading their poetry in 1-5 minute spots on CHEX TV’s noon hour variety program. The four poets were Ian David Arlett, Ward Maxwell, Riley Tench and Dennis Tourbin. Overall, thirty segments were aired.
Not sure how we arranged for the motor boat to drive through Riley. It’s live folks!
Peterborough, Summer 1978, four poets were broadcast reading their poetry in 1-5 minute spots on CHEX TV’s noon hour variety program. The four poets were Ian David Arlett, Ward Maxwell, Riley Tench and Dennis Tourbin. Overall, thirty segments were aired.
Peterborough, Summer 1978, four poets were broadcast reading their poetry in 3-5 minute spots on CHEX TV’s noon hour variety program. The four poets were Ian David Arlett, Ward Maxwell, Riley Tench and Dennis Tourbin. Overall, thirty segments were aired.
Notes: Dennis Tourbin was a lifelong Montreal Expos fan. I have no idea what the penguin symbolizes. Ian truly loved to laugh.
Peterborough, Summer 1978, four poets read their poetry in 3-5 minute spots on CHEX TV’s noon hour variety program. The four poets were Ian David Arlett, Ward Maxwell, Riley Tench and Dennis Tourbin. Overall, thirty segments were aired.
by Dennis Tourbin
Dennis Tourbin had a style all his own. It was an evolving style. His poetry was always informed by his environment, so it is no surprise Peterborough plays large in this poem. It should be mentioned that the painted T.V. we all appear behind, was made by Dennis, and it was Dennis’ suggestion we use it for the segments.
Peterborough, Summer 1978, four poets were broadcast reading their poetry in 1-2 minute spots on CHEX TV’s noon hour variety program. The four poets were Ian David Arlett, Ward Maxwell, Riley Tench and Dennis Tourbin. Overall, thirty segments were aired.
by Ian David Arlett.
Peterborough, Summer 1978, four poets read their poetry in 1 minute spots on CHEX TV’s noon hour variety program. The four poets were Ian David Arlett, Ward Maxwell, Riley Tench and Dennis Tourbin. Overall, thirty segments were aired.
I have pushed too hard,
too fast,
too far.
I’ve busted the lock.
The lock is bust and
I’m suddenly wailing.
Ridiculous me, so mortal, small,
so easily enthralled
with ridiculous me.
I tend to grasp
to seize
too fast
and to come up short
on my expectations.
Damned, vainglorious
expectations.
I am thrust to coolness
that trembles through me
like a palpitating breeze
through the cool catalpa leaves.
like a cool catalpa leaf
I suddenly sense
some caterpillar thing
give breath to wings
that fan across me and
suddenly I shake
uncontrollably.
Adolf Hitler was in this dream
in a downtown hotel in Manhattan.
He had riding britches and a funny
hat and
everyone called him,
“Mr. Chips”
He walked past a slot machine
in this dream.
He walked through a garish
hotel lobby and onto
the sidewalk.
He hailed a cab to go see
the stock market.
The first thing the next morning
I went for a walk along Aylmer Street
with a big black dog.
That dream was still inside my head.
I couldn’t believe it.
Everyone called him,
“Mr. Chips”
by Ian David Arlett
Poet in a tree, river adding ambient soundtrack. It’s make believe.
Peterborough, Summer 1978, four poets were broadcast reading their poetry in 1-2 minute spots on CHEX TV’s noon hour variety program. The four poets were Ian David Arlett, Ward Maxwell, Riley Tench and Dennis Tourbin. Overall, thirty segments were aired.
It’s my belief that the video clips of Riley in this series are the only reasonable quality videos of Riley reading his poetry. If so, it is with great pleasure that I present the man who really ignited poetry at Trent University, the one and only Poetry Editor at Arthur (the Trent student newspaper), and indefatigable champion of all things poetic—Riley Tench.
Peterborough, Summer 1978, four poets were broadcast reading their poetry in 1 minute spots on CHEX TV’s noon hour variety program. The four poets were Ian David Arlett, Ward Maxwell, Riley Tench and Dennis Tourbin. Overall, thirty segments were aired.
Peterborough Poets 