CLAPTRAP | Stephen Gyllenhaal
Raised in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania and alumnus of Cinestudio/Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut, Stephen is a film and television director – most notably of Waterland, A Dangerous Woman (with children Jake and Maggie in supporting roles) and Twin Peaks – whose poetry has been published in literary quarterlies such as Prairie Schooner and Nimrod. He lives in Los Angeles. Claptrap: Notes from Hollywood is his first collection of poems.
__________
MADONNA
again
I catch you here
my rat
looking in the mirror
with me,
your ivory hand
with rings for Him
reflecting small my infant fact
that I've betrayed
all I could've hugged
to be like you:
beautiful beyond pianos
beyond the sheen of moons,
queen of my prison cells until
the faux end
when this vain glory burns
all that I view
to ash
so you,
my cream mother love
are heated full
to sandalwood deep
inside my clues
living maggot free
forever and ever,
bless us all,
amen.
For Virginia Gyllenhaal (30 March 1924 - 3 May 2008)
mother of Stephen, grandmother of Jake and Maggie.
The musically-rich (Messiaen, Bach) Swedenborgian
funeral service for Virginia (6 May) in the Cathedral of
Bryn Athyn can be heard by clicking here.
Find "Madonna", along with poems dedicated to Jake,
Maggie, Stephen's father Hugh and brother Anders
in Claptrap.
INTERNATIONAL ORDERS WELCOME
Paperback | 94 Pages | 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 | US$14.95
ISBN 9781933688039
__________
LEAVE A WORD ABOUT STEPHEN AND CLAPTRAP.
Most belated Happy Birthay wishes. You are a lovely man, and a gifted one. I enjoyed our interview - was it so long ago? *smiling*
Best wishes for all good things,
Kat
Best wishes for all good things,
Kat
April 15, 2008 |
kat magendie
kat magendie
Dear Stephen -
Need your ok for a 1968 project. Looking for contact details, fun to run across your latest literary-ness. Your heart as a father is a joy. -Gray (not Ander's)
Need your ok for a 1968 project. Looking for contact details, fun to run across your latest literary-ness. Your heart as a father is a joy. -Gray (not Ander's)
April 7, 2008 |
Gray Glenn
Gray Glenn
Dear Stephen ~
I'm somewhat of a frequent lurker here on your site and have enjoyed your poetry--even though I am somewhat of a novice. I just wanted to take this opportunity and extend my best belated birthday wishes to you, and hope that you and your beautiful family all had a nice birthday celebration....and hope your birthday wish comes true for you!
Cheers & Happy B'Day!
~ Jantoinette ~
I'm somewhat of a frequent lurker here on your site and have enjoyed your poetry--even though I am somewhat of a novice. I just wanted to take this opportunity and extend my best belated birthday wishes to you, and hope that you and your beautiful family all had a nice birthday celebration....and hope your birthday wish comes true for you!
Cheers & Happy B'Day!
~ Jantoinette ~
October 6, 2007 |
Jantoinette
Jantoinette
Hey Stephen, happy (belated) birthday!
October 5, 2007 |
Cantara Christopher
Cantara Christopher
hello:
i'm a filmmaker ('the corporation'), actress ('living with the dead'), singer ('unspoken') & activist. a few years ago i had the great opportunity to work with stephen on 'living with the dead', playing diane ladd's character in the flashback sequences. it was one of the best experiences i've ever had working with a director - i just came across this site & thought i'd share how great i think he is. not sure how i'd ever get in contact with him again, however if this could be forwarded to him, or my contact info, that would be lovely
cheers!
mikela
i'm a filmmaker ('the corporation'), actress ('living with the dead'), singer ('unspoken') & activist. a few years ago i had the great opportunity to work with stephen on 'living with the dead', playing diane ladd's character in the flashback sequences. it was one of the best experiences i've ever had working with a director - i just came across this site & thought i'd share how great i think he is. not sure how i'd ever get in contact with him again, however if this could be forwarded to him, or my contact info, that would be lovely
cheers!
mikela
January 14, 2007 |
mikela j. mikael
mikela j. mikael
Dear Mr. Gyllenhaal,
Love your poetry.
First learned of your work when I saw Broad Freeman’s review of CLAPTRAP in SUGAR MULE. His review is right next to “Cherries in the Snow,” my short story
in the current issue of SUGAR MULE, so I couldn’t miss it—-and I’m delighted I didn’t!
Small world. When I ordered CLAPTRAP, I discovered that your book was published by CANTARAVILLE, a magazine in which another of my stories, “Cabbage Roses,” will soon appear.
Your poetry is original and unique—-I love it!
All best,
Arlene
Flint Hill, Virginia
Love your poetry.
First learned of your work when I saw Broad Freeman’s review of CLAPTRAP in SUGAR MULE. His review is right next to “Cherries in the Snow,” my short story
in the current issue of SUGAR MULE, so I couldn’t miss it—-and I’m delighted I didn’t!
Small world. When I ordered CLAPTRAP, I discovered that your book was published by CANTARAVILLE, a magazine in which another of my stories, “Cabbage Roses,” will soon appear.
Your poetry is original and unique—-I love it!
All best,
Arlene
Flint Hill, Virginia
January 8, 2007 |
Arlene Sanders
Arlene Sanders
I wanted to know how to submit a teleplay to Stephen to see if he would like to produce it and his son could star as one of the leads. It is entitled, Proximity and focuses on a woman inventor and the relationships of people within close proximity at a diner. Heather Ballentine has agreed to co-star in the role of Amethyst and it is hoped Lee Lee Sobieski will agree to play the lead. Women will love the film.
Thank you.
Karen Townsend
Thank you.
Karen Townsend
December 29, 2006 |
Karen Ann Townsend
Karen Ann Townsend
In the fall of 1977 my oldest son had auburn curls, an unforgettable face,a lovely disposition & was 6 mos. old. You were a young director, also with a lovely disposition, and were filming "Exit 10." Brett (Robert Brett Jr.) performed on cue...smiled, blew bubbles, and who would have known he wasn't really Patrick Collins son..they even looked alike! And so, a little star was born; and another, Maggie a few months later (I think we made you late for Lamaze classes!) That little baby is abut to graduate with an MDPhD,a physician/scientist (a funny, talented, all-around great guy). Our children are our reminders that the "gene-pool mix" leads one generation to the next. I thought perhaps you might email me a line or two that I can read to Brett at this most important graduation. With gratitude from his mother, who witnessed the sharing of great minds back on that fall day in 1977.
PS-It is perhaps significant to note; Brett received the highest honor as a Thesbian, senior year of high school; maybe you had a small hand in that...guiding this star who has since had many "starring roles!"