The New England sect of the ALSCW gathered at Boston University’s Editorial Institute for its second local meeting this fall on Wednesday, October 22nd. Al Basile, accomplished musician and poet gave a presentation, “Words and Music, and the Music of Words: the Writing of Song Lyrics and Formal Poetry” touched upon the nebulous nature of writing. After sharing a childhood anecdote about the timing of rhyming billboards on a drive to Florida, he discussed the challenge that lyricists face in fitting language into the constraints of tempo and rhythm. Additionally, he addressed such topics as the intuitive nature of his writing process, the relationship between the writer and his creation, and more. He also presented two poems, two songs, and two encores.