Bob states in his notes (which are fine notes, only I wish he had worked them into introductions and included them in the chaps) "that all the works' free-floating texts contain 'go.'" It's interesting to note, here, that the word "basis" has the Greek root "bainein," which means "to go." To be "at basis" is to be at "the get go," to be "from the word go" (or, "from the very beginning"). The "go" or the "basis" that these works share is an eidos, an Inner Insight, or form or quintessence, out of which "they appear" (whether heard or seen). Each word/words of text has its complement in the accompanying image/images, and thus "they appear" or are made "visual" -- via an eidetic metaphor (one thing is described -- or made to appear [its significance implicit] -- in terms of another). That eidetic metaphor (a telling and a showing) is the Inner Insight/s, or, "go," of each piece. And also, the word "bainein" sounds a lot like "Beining." (Has Guy "secretly" encoded his ! signature into these works?) I have long recognized Guy Beining as a master visual poet.

I was sure the above, anonymously received from my blog, was from Gregory Vincent St. Thomasino even before noticing his reference to "an eidos." This was verified by a second post, this one signed, that he sent me from his regular e.mail home. So. Gregory, thanks for the good words (for me, and for Guy), and the interesting speculations. I think the ones about "basis" a bit strained, myself, but fun. (Gregory does "go" pieces, too, I should point out!) I agree with your idea about the metaphoricality of Guy's pieces--but (mayhap as a rival taxonomist/terminologizer) can't accept the idea of an "eidetic metaphor." My term would be "visiophor," meaning graphic in a poem which acts as an implicit metaphor for a textual element in the poem. And, as I've argued with you before, I can accept "eidos" as a term for "image" but not for "inner insight" or the like. Just to be on record in this important matter, not to get a Grand Discussion going! --BOB

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