Gone Writing

The Poems of Moore on Sunday

1999
Author:

Peter Moore
Foreword by Don Shelby

Humorous poetry from the television program hosted by a beloved Minnesota news anchor.

At the end of his weekly news-in-review program, Moore on Sunday beloved WCCO-TV newsanchor Dave Moore often signed off by reciting a poem. These poems, composed by Moore’s son Peter and collected here for the first time, offer a fresh and funny take on the common and not-so-common stuff of our everyday lives. Reminiscent of Ogden Nash and Tom Lehrer, with a dash of Dr. Seuss, Peter Moore’s verse captures the essence of his father’s wit, common sense, honesty, and warmth.

“Though they are the words of the son, a good part of both men resounds between the lines in Gone Writing: The Poems of Moore on Sunday. The book is a sweet reminder that the wise guy usually doesn’t fall from the tree, and while it may not win any lofty literary prizes, it’s a bargain for sentimental value.” Kristin Tillotson in the Star Tribune

Humorous poetry from the television program hosted by a beloved Minnesota news anchor.

In the 1950s, Dave Moore, a young actor born and raised in Minneapolis, accepted a newscaster position with the local CBS affiliate, WCCO-TV-a job Walter Cronkite turned down. For the next three decades, until his death in 1998, he delivered the evening news with integrity, conviction, humor, and flair, making him a fixture in Minnesota living rooms.

At the end of his weekly news-in-review program, Moore on Sunday (or, as he liked to call it, “Moron Sunday”), Moore often signed off by reciting a poem. These poems, composed by Moore’s son Peter and collected here for the first time, offer a fresh and funny take on the common and not-so-common stuff of our everyday lives. Reminiscent of Ogden Nash and Tom Lehrer, with a dash of Dr. Seuss, Peter Moore’s verse captures the essence of his father’s wit, common sense, honesty, and warmth.

ISBN 0-8166-3432-7 Cloth £9.00 $12.95
120 Pages 12 black-and-white photos 4 1/2 x 7 1/2 September
Translation inquiries: University of Minnesota Press

Dave Moore (1925-1998) was an award-winning news anchor at WCCO-TV. He also hosted various weekly public affairs and week-in-review programs, such as Bedtime Nooz, The Moore Report, and Moore on Sunday.

Peter Moore is a stage and film actor and director who lives in St. Paul.

“Though they are the words of the son, a good part of both men resounds between the lines in Gone Writing: The Poems of Moore on Sunday. The book is a sweet reminder that the wise guy usually doesn’t fall from the tree, and while it may not win any lofty literary prizes, it’s a bargain for sentimental value.” Kristin Tillotson in the Star Tribune

“It’s uncanny, but as I read these poems to myself, I could hear the late Dave Moore reading them, proud of his very clever son.” Dave Wood, former book review editor for the Minneapolis Star Tribune

“Peter Moore’s silly and savory Gone Writing is the droll doggerel we heard performed by the poet’s late, lamented father, WCCO’s Dave Moore, on the latter’s Sunday-morning TV program.” Mpls.St. Paul Magazine

“Peter has given us back the sound of his father's voice. As you read these poems, I hope you hear, as I do, the tinkling of Dave's laughter and the depths of his dramatic tones. . . . I am grateful to Peter for bringing this book to print. Dave is in here. And for that reason, I'll read and reread this book, as I suspect you will, too.” Don Shelby, from the Foreword

"Peter Moore has inherited Dave's whimsy and irreverence. These witty and insightful verses will delight those who love poetry and convert those who don't."

Both moving and exquisitely funny, Peter Moore's poems owe as much to music and rhythm as to words. Meant to be read aloud, guaranteed to be thoroughly enjoyed.

Nevada Barr, author of Blind Descent (OK to mix & match/edit blurbs)

“Dave has touched the lives of just about anyone who has called the Twin Cities home.” Don Shelby, WCCO-TV anchor

“The guy could have been anything he wanted. He could have been a star on stage, in the movies. He was a star on television.” Steve Cannon, long-time WCCO-Radio broadcaster

“Chicago had Royko. San Francisco had Caen. We had Dave Moore.” Star Tribune

“Dave Moore was the most permanently likable and trusted figure we would ever see in the public light, and the finest journalist we'd ever know.” Don Shelby, from the Foreword