photo by Stephen Petegorsky NORTHAMPTON — The Meadows are one of my favorite places to walk, daydream, write, and watch nature change in its numberless daily ways. A swath of agricultural land between Northampton’s downtown and the Connecticut River, they’re within easy walking distance of my home. Wandering the Meadows, I regularly see red-tailed hawks, …
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“Pirene is the name of a fountain or spring in Greek mythology … it was said to be a favorite watering hole of Pegasus, sacred to the Muses. Poets would travel there to drink and receive inspiration.” #poetry #poem #naila_fin A photo posted by Naila Moreira (@naila_fin) on Feb 13, 2016 at 7:11pm PST in …
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NORTHAMPTON — About a year ago, I saw three deer running across the Connecticut River. They weren’t walking on water: the river had frozen, thick enough to support their lightly tripping hooves. Last winter, Bostonians got so much snow they called it the Snowpocalypse. This December, I saw a deer again, but it stood on …
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Reading back through an old notebook, I rediscovered some fine insights by fiction writer Tim Weed, originally shared during a talk he gave at the yearly meeting of the NE Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. He spoke of creating stories that will build lingering meaning for readers. Weed started by playing two pieces …
Read more “A spear in the darkness”
Today the corn is new, no higher than my knee, and at this height it has a special color: luminous green under the overcast sky. The clouds are thick and dark, like a stew. For some, this place might seem always the same: the corn growing, the looming mountain, the lone trees far off across …
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Exciting news! I’ve been selected as the new Writer in Residence for the Forbes Library in Northampton, MA. I’ll serve as the WriR for the next 2 years, 2015-2017. I’m delighted! Press Release The Forbes has been a literary home for me in Northampton and I’m so pleased to have this chance to give back …
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image courtesy of The Common Online We were tipsy and in a good mood, Paul and I, coming home from our favorite bar in the whirlings of this season’s first “historic snowstorm,” when I noticed the figure floundering in the snow. He was a dark clot of winter coat and baggy pants, on his knees, …
I have an article out in Science News for Students this week, on the immune system, and how computers are allowing us to create simulated immune-cell interactions that mimic the human body and healing: Virtual Wounds: Computers probe healing It’s written for young people age 8 to 18. When the body needs to deliver immune …
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I have a profile out today in Smith College’s Insight magazine, on Smith College Lyman Conservatory manager Rob Nicholson. It describes his adventures in plant-collecting expeditions around the globe: An Aztec curse seemed like a minor obstacle as Rob Nicholson, manager for the Lyman Conservatory of the Botanic Garden of Smith College, climbed a monkey-hand …
My first book of poetry is coming out this week! It’s an art book in collaboration with photographer Paul Ickovic, pairing my poetry with his photographs, including previously unpublished pictures. It’s titled Gorgeous Infidelities. The poems match the sense of urban and personal dislocation and storytelling imagery of Mr. Ickovic’s photography, most often focusing on …
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