Robert Sward is the sitting Poet Laureate of Santa Cruz county (2016-2018) and long time Santa Cruz resident. Sward is the author of New and Selected Poems (1957- 2011), Red Hen Press, Coffee House Press, Four Incarnations and fourth coming 'Love Has … Read More
Excerpted from “Love Has Made Grief Absurd” – work in progress
Gloria, by nature, first impulse --pre- AND post 2008 Alzheimer diagnosis— is to be open and friendly. Open and friendly even when meeting someone for the first time, which, given the nature of Alzheimer's, is almost always the case. That is, at … Read More
Robert’s Father, Dr. Irving M. Sward, With Sister, Leah In Poltava Russia c. 1890
Before they moved to the U.S. … Read More
Robert’s Father’s Mother c. 1890
Born in Poltava Russia. … Read More
Robert’s Poltava Russia Born Father And Family
Baba Hari Dass
Baba Hari Dass, a silent Swami who communicates via a small chalk board. Robert's feature in The Toronto Star led to his move to Santa Cruz. Robert taught at Mt. Madonna School 1984-85. (Article to come) … Read More
Gloria’s Memorial Video
Interview With Robert Sward By Maggie Paul
Nothing mystical. No magic. She’s forgotten the past, forgotten we’re married, forgotten who I am, forgotten my name, forgotten her children’s names, forgotten the dog’s name, forgotten we have a dog. It is February 19, 2017, and Robert … Read More
“Love Has Made Grief Absurd” (With Lily Rich)
I had the pleasure of first meeting Gloria about two years ago. She was always gracious and always had something nice to say to me. She was a light. Robert and I often discussed the title of his work, “Love Has Made Grief Absurd.” It’s an interesting … Read More
A Discussion: Poets David Swanger, Michael McLaughlin, & Painter Sally Jorgenson
Special Thanks to Camille Zajac for the water color https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvNGjpvEMWs David Swanger to Michael McLaughlin: Check this out, Sward's magnum opus, an epic poem made wholly of his wife's monologue/conversation. She, … Read More
Red Wheelbarrow Launch and Invitation
Launch reading for the latest Red Wheelbarrow National Edition December 12th, 7:00 PM at WORKS/San José, 365 South Market Street. The new edition features winners of our first annual Red Wheelbarrow Poetry Prize, along with an art folio called … Read More
In Loving Memory of Gloria Kramer Alford
October 3, 1928 - October 10, 2017 Gloria Kramer Alford died peacefully in the early morning of October 10, 2017, surrounded by her beloved family: her husband Robert and children Heidi, Jonathan and Elissa. Gloria was a woman of many talents and … Read More
PLEASE JOIN US TODAY FOR THE THIRD ANNUAL VOICES OF THE RIVER
Sunday, October 1st, 2-4 pm FREE ADMISSION Celebrate Santa Cruz County Poet Laureate Robert Sward at the 3rd annual Voices of the River: a Poetry Reading along the San Lorenzo River. Enjoy poetry from: Barbara Bloom, Chuck Atkinson, Robert Sward, … Read More
FLY
I don’t want to kill that over there on the wall, thing I just want it to know there’s a better way, there’s a better way to live. * Say what Rabbi says, that thing he says, When I let go of what I am I become what I might … Read More
Event: Voices of the River 2017
Sunday, October 1st, 2-4 pm FREE ADMISSION Celebrate Santa Cruz County Poet Laureate Robert Sward at the 3rd annual Voices of the River: a Poetry Reading along the San Lorenzo River. Enjoy poetry from: Barbara Bloom, Chuck Atkinson, Robert Sward, … Read More