With all due respect to Easter, Passover, Earth Day, and showers, April means National Poetry Month to me. I know I am a literary geek, but as a poet myself, I am inspired by this month dedicated to poets and their craft. National Poetry Month was established by the Academy of American Poets in 1996Continue reading “Words Matter”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Family Matters
Family time in the age of COVID-19 has dramatically changed for those with school-aged children. Children and parents in the home 24/7, teleworking and homeschooling, certainly has its challenges. But, it is also emotionally challenging to be worried about your adult children who live in places near and far, and whose actions you can noContinue reading “Family Matters”
Living History
Unprecedented times reveal our core values, and managing crises reveal our core character. The COVID-19 pandemic may be one of the single most important moments in history to define us as humans. I have found in the past few weeks that the single most important trait we need to survive as a species is empathy.Continue reading “Living History”
Social Contact
Humans are not isolationists. Regardless of your political views on isolationism – foreign policy asserting that a nations’ best interests are best served by keeping the affairs of other countries at a distance – the majority of people do not fare well isolated and alone. We are social creatures. Sure, we have our share ofContinue reading “Social Contact”
In an Abundance of Kindness
If I hear or read in an abundance of caution again, it will be too soon. Every single communication about COVID-19, including one I wrote, uses this language. It is the omnipresent phrase of the day. Out of an abundance of caution used to be a phrase that only serious scientifics used as a wayContinue reading “In an Abundance of Kindness”
Blustery Day
Ten more days until the Vernal Equinox, yet I feel the sun’s warmer kiss already, if only the March winds would calm. Springtime – the eternal optimist of the seasons. A time of hope, when the Earth awakens and the outdoors blooms right before our eyes. As new puppy owners, Jim and I have beenContinue reading “Blustery Day”
Welcome River
Because of the dog’s joyfulness, our own is increased. It is no small gift. It is not the least reason why we should honor as well as love the dog of our own life, and the dog down the street, and all the dogs not yet born. What would the world be like without musicContinue reading “Welcome River”
Cast Away
Nothing a child ever does is trash. It is practice. Nothing by Naomi Shihab Nye, Cast Away Young People’s Poet Laureate Naomi Shihab Nye was Kent School’s Kudner Leyon Visiting Writer in May 2017, my first year at the School. I could not wait to welcome her to my new school by the river. WeContinue reading “Cast Away”
The Civility Moon
Middle schoolers I know are better mannered than the adults who claim to represent us in Washington. That is a sad fact in our society. And, I cannot even say that the leaders of our country are acting like children, because that would be an affront to children. Our country’s leaders, on both sides ofContinue reading “The Civility Moon”
Groundhog Day
While everyone I know is anxiously awaiting tonight’s Super Bowl, my day is already complete. At sunrise this morning Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow and spring is on the way. Spring was going to be on the way regardless, but I always enjoy this 134 year old tradition. The members of Punxsutawney Phil’sContinue reading “Groundhog Day”
