LITTLE WERNER

While knowledge of the Holocaust is fading as fewer and fewer survivors are left, there is still more knowledge of the concentration camps like Auschwitz than there is of how such treacherous machinery was built to begin with: it started with those who were disabled and mentally ill. From 1937 to 1941 the Nazis instituted […]

FUZZY BRAIN

When I was finally diagnosed with spondylitis 7 years ago, it was my body of course that showed the signs first: the pain and stiffness, fatigue. When I began graduate school two years after that, something else happened, another facet of the illness appeared causing a different sort of trouble: brain fog. As I went […]

A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A TREE

I’ve been desperate for some respite from the wildfire devastation and looming threat of war that’s been playing across my screen each day, and 20 minutes ago it appeared: a video that showcases one year in the life of a single tree–through the change of seasons and the many woodland inhabitants that stop by for […]

ONLY YOU

Because a friend asked me about Alison Moyet today and “Only You,” and because then I got to thinking about her voice and the acapella cover by The Flying Pickets…. “Looking from a window above, it’s like a story of loveCan you hear meCame back only yesterdayI’m moving further awayWant you near me All I […]

OH MY STARS

Have a seat upon this branch of mineIt’s been a while honey I think I feel fineI see the question mark a top your spineI’ve got a ladder honey won’t you let me climbTell me all about your foreign warsAnd all about the photographs that line your drawers‘Cause I know a lot about closing doorsBut […]

A SHORT STORY OF FALLING

In the past year as I’ve continued my independent study of poetry, I’ve become acquainted with some contemporary poets of the UK. The latest is Oxford-educated Alice Oswald, who lives in Devon and often has the natural world at the center of her work. Thus far I’ve only had a brief read of some of […]

BENEDICTION

May all of your days shine brightly,And your nights blessed with peace,Wherever you lay down to sleep. And all things are made goodFor those who believe.May you grow from the seedInto a strong, frutiful tree. As the days unfold, hold your breath to see-Life is a mystery.And joy, it is severe, when the way is […]