essays

Legacy of the Laureates

Legacy of the Laureates

Have you ever wondered about the position of Poet Laureate of the United States?  Would it surprise you that, far from being just an honorary title, it’s actually a job? Originally called the Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress, in 1986 the title was changed to Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry.  It is […]

The Power of Words

The Power of Words

Have there been books, speeches, movies or television shows, or even poems that had a profound influence on your perception of something? Perhaps with the exception of a speech by a world leader, do you think the author of that work knew he or she would have such an influence? I’ve mentioned before a quotation […]

In the Mood

In the Mood

During the winter months, I find myself channeling my bear relatives and hibernating. I stay in my cave, and watch old movies and write.  A friend attributes it to SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder – something about sunlight deprivation. Yeah, I’m feelin’ that. During those months, my poetry is sometimes pretty depressing. Getting out those feelings helps, […]

A Writers' Work is Never Done (by others)

A Writers’ Work is Never Done (by others)

In the Steve Martin movie version of Cheaper by the Dozen, there’s a scene where, two days after Bonnie Hunt (the wife) is told her book will be published, she opens the door and her friend is standing there with the book -  already published, with a glossy, sensational cover. Friend breathlessly announces that it […]

Just For Fun Friday 11/29/13

Just For Fun Friday 11/29/13

It’s Black Friday.  Are you participating in the madness? Black Friday wasn’t always a day that got our hearts thumping.  It was originally associated with a financial crisis of 1869. Hmm…in the long run, not much has changed, has it? Jumping forward in history, the earliest reference of Black Friday to the shopping day after […]