Diana's father was poet. A true to life, Scotch on ice, manuel typewriter nailing loves cries to his heart. He remains her curiosity.

  May Waldman's favorite author is the late Marilyn French. Poetry idols include Lyn Lifshin, Jill Battson, Terrence Winch, David Yezza, Sylvia Plath, Anne Sexton, Sarah Teasdale and Michael Rothenberg.