blackout poetry – Enjoying the Journey

When a Debate Isn’t Really a Discussion

November 11, 2019June 16, 20200

Somehow, at some point over the years, my dad began to see me as the embodiment of every liberal politician he can’t stand. Now, I’m …

About a Memoir, Some Poems, and That Insane Border Wall

November 6, 2019June 16, 20203

When I finish a book in a day, you know it’s good. Yesterday, I stopped by the library to pick up one of my books …

When Vacation and Poetry Meet on St. John, USVI

August 22, 2019August 22, 20191

One hundred days. A serious commitment to creating original poetry and art. And in the mix, an eight-day vacation on St. John, one of the …

An American History Re-Education Is Required

August 19, 2019June 16, 20200

This Sunday, The New York Times magazine was entirely devoted to one subject: the 1619 Project. I can’t remember the last time I read the …

How to Write a Blackout Poem, Step by Step

July 23, 2019July 23, 20193

“So explain these poems you’re making,” my cousin said. “How exactly does that work?” She’s not the only one who’s asked. Since May 5, 2019, …

Fun Summer Reading With One Monster of a Book

July 12, 2019September 12, 20203

It’s not often a book gets the best of me. You know us old English majors; before we die, we read everything. And we make …

100 Days of Creativity to Cure Writer’s Block

May 30, 2019May 30, 20194

A month ago, I wrote about creativity (rather, my lack thereof). My wordsmith fire was smoldering and desperately needed kindling. As I scrolled through Instagram, …