In his eulogy today, former President Obama included this quote from the late Senator McCain’s self-proclaimed favorite book, For Whom The Bells Toll: Today is only one day in all the days that will ever be. But what will happen in all the other days that ever come can depend on what you do today. … More In Honor of the Late John McCain
My son and I saw the 9/11 memorial when we visited New York City this summer, and it is quite a lovely and striking monument. Today can be a difficult day for people. It can be a time for grieving. But I hope it is a day of grieving with love instead of hate, … More A Poem for Susan
I started today as I usually do, with a two-mile meditative walk through our local peaceful and beautiful park-like cemetery. And as has been the case for the past several days, my mind and my heart were reflecting on the sad events at Charlottesville this weekend and the international fall-out of our personal, collective, and … More Lessons on Charlottesville from a Deceased Grandaddy
If you want an easy lift today, just imagine this actually happening. And if there is anything that the election of Donald Trump has taught us, it is that anything really is possible in the United States! Enjoy!
This wonderful month of April is coming to an end, and so is National Poetry Month and the official Week of Action follow-up to April 22nd’s March For Science. However, there are still plenty of opportunities for those of us who would like to see our governmental policies based on science instead of….well, let’s just say … More Celebrating Women as the Original Scientists
Not only is April host to Earth Day, but it also National Poetry Month here in the US. Those two events intersected yesterday in a program that Academy of American Poets Chancellor Jane Hirshfield developed called “Poets for Science.” Hirshfield is one of the most accomplished contemporary American poets, and environmental awareness has long been … More Poets for Science
On Wednesday, I took my high school literature class on a field trip to a local art museum for a special exhibit. It ended up being one of the best educational tours I’ve ever arranged–and I’ve arranged quite a few. It was thought provoking, engaging, confusing, humorous, and uplifting. Most of all, it reminded me, … More Encouraging Dialogue Through Art
If I had to pick two men who are guaranteed to make me laugh, I would say one is the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, and another is John Oliver, the host of late night political satire show, Last Week Tonight. So … More Laughing With the Dalai Lama
I teach both middle school and high school group literature classes, and once a month I do a poetry unit with the students. While some of them are into it, others doubt the relevancy of poetry to their lives. I tell them that many times, particularly during events of high emotion or great significance, poets can … More Mending Wall
So if you weren’t invited to an Inaugural ball, why not have a ball instead? Because it look like after VAE is done with its love-in, they are hosting a laugh-in. Atlanta-born 35-year-old Lauren Gunderson is currently the most produced living American playwright. This award-winning author’s works are known for their wit, intelligence, and heart and … More The Power of Comedy
