Great Regulars: [Stanley] Banks, 52, has taught creative writing

and literature courses at Avila University in Kansas City for 12 years. The school's artist in residence and an assistant professor, he has published four books of poetry. The most recent is "Blue Beat Syncopation," published by BkMk Press.

Banks is accompanied at poetry readings by his wife, Janet M. Banks, who has published her first book, "Stewed Soul."

The following poem will be published in the Coal City Review.

Twice on the Road to the Funeral Home

from Walter Bargen: The Post-Dispatch: Missouri poet: Stanley E. Banks

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