October 10, 2019
Who Wants to Think?
Like many Americans, I’ve been trying to understand why the current occupant of the Oval Office has so many staunch … Read More “Who Wants to Think?”
Category: Books
August 16, 2019
No, No Kondo
In her best-selling book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Marie Kondo recommends maintaining a personal library of JUST 30 … Read More “No, No Kondo”
June 5, 2019
On Turning 66
Today I turn 66 which is meaningful for two reasons: one, I am now eligible for full Social Security benefits. More … Read More “On Turning 66”
May 31, 2019
Ignite 5/31/19
“Flannery O’Connor said that anyone who has survived childhood has enough material to write for the rest of his or … Read More “Ignite 5/31/19”
April 18, 2019
The Cruelest Month — Part Two
Stanley Plumly, a poet who served as the poet laureate of Maryland for nine years, died on April 11 from … Read More “The Cruelest Month — Part Two”
March 21, 2019
A Hush Now, Linda Gregg
Within four days of each other two of my favorite poets have died: W.S. Merwin on March 15, and Linda … Read More “A Hush Now, Linda Gregg”
March 19, 2019
Thanks, W.S. Merwin
W.S. Merwin, whose poems about the fragility of the natural world and the horrors of the Vietnam War earned him … Read More “Thanks, W.S. Merwin”
January 18, 2019
Winter Sleep
Yesterday, much-loved poet Mary Oliver died of lymphoma. She was 83. As NPR posted in its obituary, “Oliver won many … Read More “Winter Sleep”
January 16, 2019
The Light Within You
This Spark and Spitfire post introduces a new regular feature and category — Sparks — thoughts, excerpts, rants, etc. — inspired by … Read More “The Light Within You”
October 2, 2018
In Cold Texas
On August 11, 2006 — a sweltering Friday night — 16-year-old Amber Wyatt reported that she had been raped in … Read More “In Cold Texas”