“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” – J.R.R. Tolkien – The Fellowship of The Ring Inevitable …
Before and After (a poem)
Before and after There’s this thing going around about how we should not want to go back to “normal” because what came before should be – upon reflection – forsaken. I don’t know what your normal looked like before, but as for me, I can’t wait to have an unplanned conversation with a colleague by …
Confessions of a Failed Poet
Seeing as how I just received notice that my chapbook did not make the cut in a competition I had entered a few months back, it's as good a time as any to confess my poetic failures. But in reflection, every day is a good day to be honest about the real. There's no shame …
In Transit: VII (A Collaboration)
The selection below ends our series showcasing a collaboration of photography and poetry. Thank you, Tom Darin Liskey, for offering up your stunning images for reflection. Have a blessed Easter, my friends. He is risen. He is risen indeed. The Cross What is there to say about a cross with bling? In your face, judgment. …
In Transit: Part VI (A Collaboration)
We continue on this Maundy Thursday with our collaboration between Tom Darin Liskey's photography and my words. Maundy (or Holy) Thursday is the day Christians around the world commemorate Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples and the washing of their feet. On this occasion, Jesus commanded his disciples to "Love one another as I have …
In Transit: Part V (A Collaboration)
Continuing the collaboration with Tom Darin Liskey into Holy Week with a response to his cover image for this series. X. In Transit The whole world is on a bus Together. It’s some bus. Big enough for safety, close enough for comfort. That guy in the hat is here, and so is Mr. Button-down with …
In Transit: Part IV (A Collaboration)
One more for the weekend in this collaboration with photographer Tom Darin Liskey. VIII. Broke Down Light Squint into sunlight, stretch – ten bricks higher to the left, and then a few more, just out of reach – but you never give up, do you? There’s a thing needs straightening, always your hand quick to …
In Transit: Part III (A Collaboration)
The collaboration continues. Thank you again, Tom Darin Liskey, for your photographic inspiration. VI. What I Gave Up for Lent I'm not even Catholic, but this year everyone is catholic (small c), letting go of ideas, things, gods (small g). I could not decide what to let go for Lent, so it was decided for …
In Transit: Part II (A Collaboration)
It's my pleasure to continue this collaboration with Tom Darin Liskey with my reflections on these two stunning images from his lens. I welcome you to share your responses to his art in the comments below. IV. Wanderer Who knew a Monarch might be free to leave land, fly beyond borders, rule above rulers, past …
In Transit: Part I (A Collaboration)
My photographer-writer friend Tom and I have been batting around the idea of an artistic collaboration for quite some time now. With the onset of externally imposed limitations of movement, there are no more excuses, and only time to sit down and put this art out there in the world. Over a series of posts in …