The Pittsburgh Quarterly is saddened to announce the passing of renowned poet Len Roberts on May 25, 2007.

Len, a professor of American Literature and Creative Writing at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem PA for 33 years, is most well-known for his 11 published poetry collections, including Counting the Black Angels and The Troublemaking Finch. A twelfth collection, The Disappearing Trick, was just released on June 22, 2007. His work has also appeared in numerous journals, including American Poetry Review, Paris Review, PoetryMagazine.com and TPQ OnLine.

But here in Pittsburgh, Len will probably be best remembered for his long-time association with and dedicated work for the Western Pennsylvania Writing Project, a program based at the University of Pittsburgh that promotes writing and the teaching of writing in all levels of schools throughout southwestern Pennsylvania.

Len will be sorely missed throughtout the literary and educational communities. This special section of TPQ OnLine is presented in his honor. It contains a collaborative, link-versed poem based upon the renga tradition, as well as personal poems and notes from some who knew him. Anyone wishing to add to this tribute may submit poems, stories, comments, etc. inspired by Len to editor@tpqonline.org. For an additional tribute to Len, please visit the Len Roberts Memorial Reading Room at www.poetrymagazine.com.