Author Archives: Mark

It is time for me to once again talk about Covid-19. Before I begin, I want to acknowledge that it is a real and sometimes harrowing illness that can and does cause death and lasting damage. I would not wish … Continue reading →

Inclusive Authoritarianism is Still Authoritarian I recognize that my posts about politics get fewer likes than my poems. I am an odd duck, it seems, in my unwillingness to accept mainstream narratives of any stripe. Perhaps it would be easier … Continue reading →

The Ever Given has run aground in the Suez Canal One of the world’s largest container ships En route from China to the Netherlands Wedged diagonally in the sand Two hundred thousand tons Bearing on saturated earth Refusing to budge … Continue reading →

We stand firmly against the use of fear to motivate or manipulate. We oppose all media and political fearmongering. We accept our existence as mortal animals on a finite planet. We embrace technology that improves and extends our lives, but … Continue reading →

Toward a More Equal America, Part 12 Fear False Evidence Appearing Real That which we believe keeps us safe Makes the world far more dangerous While keeping us small Keeping us miserable Diminishing our confidence Diminishing our power.   Fear … Continue reading →

Toward a More Equal America, Part 11 In Part 10 I introduced the political plane and situated the United States within it: approximately halfway between democracy and authoritarianism, and with more private ownership than public ownership. At this point, I … Continue reading →

Toward a More Equal America, Part 10 We tend to think of politics in terms of voting on bills and taking positions on issues: debating, for example, exactly under what circumstances abortion or capital punishment should be allowed, or what … Continue reading →

Toward a More Equal America, Part 9 When I started this series last spring, I had no idea that would continue for what is looking to be 12 installments. Although my writing style may come across as prescriptive at times, … Continue reading →

It’s been a while since I’ve offered my thoughts on Covid-19, which has receded from the center of our national consciousness even as schools remain closed and infection numbers reach all-time highs. I am an avid observer. Whether it’s tracking … Continue reading →

1991Early springJim’s hills, I think?Little Mark at five years old, Ed at 53Who took this picture? Such a perfect compositionSuch a perfect meditationOn presence and impermanenceThe pasqueflowers, long awaited through winter’s coldBloom only for a few daysThe feather cast off … Continue reading →