Brian Doyle Trash Talks a Monk.


A few days ago, I opened a post about birds with a quote by Brian Doyle. I said then that I'd write about Doyle soon. Today's the day.

Brian Doyle knew how to inhale the sweetest fragrance of life. He did it every day until his untimely death from cancer in 2017. If you’re not familiar with his work, pick up any of his novels and prepare to be transported. I recommend Mink River, Martin Marten, or The Plover to get you started. 

Doyle had a singular gift for finding grace and hope in this world. I used to periodically change the message I wrote on the blackboard by my desk. But I put up a phrase of his a couple of years ago and have not wanted to touch it since. The chalk is pretty well fixed by now. And the phrase speaks to me more every day. It’s simply this: “…gentle patience and affection and respect and reverence for each other.” That’s how Doyle lived; he embodied these qualities. Aren’t they what we need in this difficult time?

His latest collection of essays, One Long River of Song, was published posthumously in 2019 by his family and friends. One of my favorite stories appears in this collection. It’s about an argument he once had with a Buddhist monk he happened upon at the University of Portland. The two met near an athletic trophy case, where they had a spirited debate over whether soccer or basketball is the superior game. 

Actually, the story appears in a long footnote to an essay about the monk, a Doyle-spun “Tibetan folk tale” entitled “His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Manifestation of Chenrezig, Bodhisattva of Compassion, Stops the Car Along the Road to Watch the Children Play Soccer.” Yep; that’s who he tangled with. Turns out that the Dalai Lama was at UP for a visit and Brian Doyle had the good fortune to run into him. Not recognizing His Holiness, Doyle picked a good-natured fight over sports, a passion for them both. The Dalai Lama is a humble man who loves to laugh, and how often does he just get to have a conversation like an ordinary guy? He was tickled by the encounter.

I think of Brian Doyle today because his writing is enchanting, and because his puckish humor is still such a delight. And because he left insights that could speak to us in this difficult time. If you haven’t heard of Doyle or haven’t yet read River of Song, you might enjoy this New York Times book review by another of my favorite writers, Margaret Renkl: "Brian Doyle Noticed the Little Things. His Book Reminds Us We Should Too."  Brian Doyle Review  Perhaps you’ll be able to check out a Doyle e-book from your local library, or order River of Song from your local bookstore.

And speaking of books and libraries, here's a photo of our nearest little library. It's usually filled with books, but lately it's been closed for maintenance, so to speak:
 
"Please don't put any books in here for a couple of days. Trying to get rid of ants.  P.S. There's ant poison inside."

The sign has been there for a while, but today we noticed a note below it:
"Thank you for the head's up.   :-)   ~Ants "

Brian Doyle would have gotten a big kick out of this. He probably would have been the one to put up the ants' reply.

Until tomorrow, I wish you good health, a good read, and a good laugh.

Love,
Nancie/Mom/Mimi/Grandma

Comments

Pat Crane said…
I really enjoyed your blog today about Brian Doyle, Nancie. I've read all the books you mentioned, and each one felt magical to me. One Long River of Song introduced me to his essays, and I have savored them. Hopefully those readers of yours who aren't familiar with Brian Doyle will now want to check out his books. My personal favorite was Mink River, closely followed by Martin Marten. Thank you again for your daily blogs and enjoy this beautiful weather.
May 27, 2020 at 11:46 AM
Devon said…
Nancie,

Thank you for the joy of reading your daily reflections. I hear your voice as I read them.

I am having the same ant problem with my mailbox, and while my exterminator is on the schedule for this week, the receptionist at the exterminator said to try Windex because it masks the scent that they return to. I tried it, and lo and behold, it worked! You might suggest that via yet another note to the library staff. :)

-Devon
May 27, 2020 at 2:48 PM
Nancie Potter said…
Thanks, Pat. "Magical" is a perfect description. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend Doyle's essay collection "Children and Other Wild Animals."
May 27, 2020 at 11:10 PM
Nancie Potter said…
Haha! Thanks, Devon. I think that the librarian will be grateful for the tip. :->
May 27, 2020 at 11:12 PM
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