Reader comments
'An astonishing life' — Poet Leslie Norris

7 comments   |   Read story

William McBrayer Wood | 2:59 p.m. Nov. 8, 2007
Leslie Norris still has impact. I thought I could only write legal briefs. I thought photography was my only outlet. All the words flying like the birds in Norris's little boy's head have found release.

Thank you Deseret and BYU for having Norris inspire so many even after his death.
Lisa Dewey | 12:41 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008
I can still hear the melodic voice of Norris reading one of his short stoies, and those of P. G. Wodehouse,to a small writing class at the University of Washington. It's a wonderful memory.
Stephen Humphries | 12:58 p.m. Feb. 29, 2008
For one of my birthdays some years ago my wife contacted Leslie Norris and arranged for him to read one of his poems at my birthday party. Unfortunately, on the day he was not well enough to leave his house, so we all stood around our phone and listened as he read a poem. I have forgotten the poem that he read, but I remember a warm and giving person, a great man. I return again and again to his short stories and poems, many of which remind me of Wales where I was a student and of England where I was born.
Comments continue below
Lester Logan | 12:02 a.m. March 24, 2008
I was a student of Leslie Norris at the University of Washington in the 1970s. He was a kind man and great teacher. His short story 'Shaving' is a brilliant distillation of memory, Zen like in its diamond hard insight. One day Leslie limped into our fiction writing workshop and explained that he had hurt himself playing soccer over the weekend. I remember thinking that I hoped when I was in my 60s I would be alive enough to write and play soccer.
Alan Meyer | 10:55 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008
Thank you for this inspiring article. I'm currently playing a role in a film based on one of his stories and this article has been very helpful.
David B. | 6:36 p.m. April 3, 2009
I hadn't kept in touch with Leslie for a number of years. When I read of his passing~ immediately tears welled in my eyes.

An extraordinary person- one of those Professors or Wise Men you meet and each time is a golden, glowing, carrying away new 'a ha' treasure type-experience.

Edifying is perhaps a better word. Leslie 'filled' your soul right up past your throat (always with a nod and wink to humour).

If there is a heaven with association, I hope Leslie (and Kitty) are there and we have time. . .
Janet | 8:11 p.m. Sept. 1, 2009
Our eighth grader is reading "The Wind, the Cold Wind" for her literature class here in Tennessee. Thank you for this informative and beautifully written interview with Leslie Norris.

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.

Image
Stuart Johnson, Deseret News

Leslie Norris, with some of his works in front of him, sits in his study at his Orem home. Although retired, BYU has named Norris its poet in residence.

Gallery (7 photos)
Related content

Articles

  1. Sources: Josh Powell hires attorney
  2. Wet spot found in Powell's home
  3. Cougar seniors see a new Bronco
  4. Storms dumped lots of snow in Utah
  5. Y. opponent nearly smelled roses
  6. Cougs brace for coaching changes
  7. Pace happy not to be noticed
  8. High school football: All-region teams
  9. MWC looks better in basketball
  10. Jazz will have full lineup tonight
  1. LDS to emphasize helping needy127
  2. Unga might enter NFL draft107
  3. BYU to wear royal blue uniforms104
  4. TV mom gives birth to 19th child99
  5. Disappearance called 'suspicious'97
  6. Sources: Josh Powell hires attorney95
  7. Stay the course with our president87
  8. Jazz stunned by Timberwolves87
  9. Choir, guests unwrap musical magic84
  10. Barkley says Boozer is big problem81

Astronomy: Universe on a shoestring

David Rankin, one of Utah's youngest and ablest astrophotographers has...

News yule use: Hold out for free shipping

There was a time when free shipping was rare. This holiday season, you...

Jay Evensen: Medicare at 55?

First of all, to "20/20," how can you read newspapers and not understand...

previousnext

Latest comments

'Secret Santas' carefully hide identity

ConnieTheTeacher said:

Thank you for this Christmas story that tells the real meaning of the season....

Park City School District is nut-free

Heather said:

wow why are people so angry! and rude! until you have had a child with a food...

BYU claims five Fulbright Scholars

Uncle Reality said:

Fullbright Scholars: University of Utah 16 BYU 5

Wet spot found in Powell's home

Just Me said:

Prayers for Susan's family and children. This must be nearly impossible to...

Is Tiger Woods a sex addict?

LDS in TN said:

Dear Excellent, There is no evidence presented, outside of one writer's...

Jazz fans glad to see Korver return

Korver said:

will take most of miles minutes,just like he did last year,but this year...

Ute linebackers expect much

RE: Anonymous | said:

I'd have to agree with you. BYU is between the 5-10 best non BCS team to not...

Letters: Undeserved award

To "Odell | 8:33 a.m." said:

Odell | 8:33 a.m. I don't see anyone saying their "Not proud" of their...

Obama statue attacked on Facebook

Butch said:

A warning to all posters: If you say anything negative about Obama, you...

Some charities are close to folding

I make said:

specific donations so that I am fairly sure where the money is going. I do...

Advertisements