Around 1990, I started work compiling poems, written by my grandfather George Albert Leddy (1883-1967), into a book to persevere his legacy. I had no literary or artistic skills, and little appreciation or understanding of poetry.
In the process I discovered that poetry is a performing art, and that I had a talent for memorizing and dramatically reciting lengthy poems. But most of all, I believe, I discovered works that rival the best of its time and style ever written.
I self-published The Poetry of George Albert Leddy in 2008, and continued to develop my performances at venues around Vermont, and using Public Access TV. My hope was to gain recognition for my grandfather's works, and demonstrate how this type of poetry was meant to be performed.
Unfortunately in 2012, I started developing signs of laryngeal cancer. In 2022, I had to have a complete laryngectomy, so I am no longer able to recite poetry. But I'm still hopeful that somehow I can bring attention to his great works.