A living legend

San Francisco poet Jack Hirschman’s work is influenced by his early connection to the beats; his love of jazz; and his work translating, among others, the Nobel Laureate Pablo Neruda, whom Hirschman has described as “the greatest poet of the 20th century.” Like Neruda, Hirschman has a broad range; his poems move from the observational to the deeply personal. With more than 60 collections of original poems (most recently Front Lines: Selected Poems from City Lights) and 25 books of translations to his credit, he’s a major player in contemporary verse. Not only that, but also he’s written the forward for television actress Amber (Joan of Arcadia) Tamblyn’s new book of poems, Free Stallion, out in October. Catch the man himself this Friday at the Art Foundry Gallery, when he reads at 8 p.m. There’s a requested contribution of $5, but that includes refreshments. For more information, visit the Web site at www.breitpoet.com/foundry.html.