It’s beginning to look a lot like…whatever winter holiday you celebrate! Here are some videos to get you in the mood. This Hanukah song and dance medley is joyful and stylishly performed. I was almost certain I recognized the location as midtown Manhattan, but the YouTube credits say Daley Plaza in Chicago. No wonder I
Holiday Videos: “Joel the Lump of Coal” and More Read More »
As my readers doubtless know from the national news, the killing of unarmed African-American men and boys by white police officers has sparked protest movements across the country, challenging us white Americans to confront our participation in a racist law enforcement system. On Aug. 9 in Ferguson, MO, Officer Darren Wilson shot unarmed 18-year-old Michael
A Long-Overdue Education in Racism: Where to Begin? Read More »
This past October I participated in Dead Poets Remembrance Day, an annual reading series organized by Walter Skold of Dedgar.org. Walter is on a mission to host tribute readings at all the graves of notable poets in the U.S. He is working on a documentary that will incorporate video of these readings and other anecdotes
Videos from Dead Poets Remembrance Day Read More »
The first snow of the winter is blanketing our Western Massachusetts region today, the day before Thanksgiving, which makes this a perfect time to post this short-short story by Reiter’s Block contributor Donal Mahoney. Enjoy, and drive safely. Big Thanksgiving Snow by Donal Mahoney “Sometimes Jesus walked around with a big staff, just like
Flash Fiction by Donal Mahoney: “Big Thanksgiving Snow” Read More »
Are you thankful that you can read this? Give the gift of literacy to new immigrants, and sponsor me in my 30 Poems in November fundraiser. Here is today’s poem for your enjoyment. Have a tasty holiday! Ode to Butternut Squash Butternut squash, you are the War and Peace of vegetables. So heavy, traditional, symbolic
30 Poems in November: Your Turkey Day Reminder Read More »
Poet, activist, and spiritual workshop leader Robert McDowell sent out this powerful poem in his e-newsletter to commemorate the International Day to End Violence Against Women (Nov. 25). McDowell’s work focuses on actualizing the sacred feminine to bring about gender equality and reconciliation. He has kindly allowed me to reprint it below. The Promise of
Poetry by Robert McDowell: “The Promise of Hunter’s Moon” Read More »
My prison pen pal Conway reports that the hearing on his petition for early release has been delayed until December, crushing his hope of being reunited with his family for Christmas. It’s been over two years since California voters passed Proposition 36, which was supposed to roll back the harsh sentences imposed on nonviolent offenders
New Poem by Conway: “Smell” Read More »
Three weeks ago I made another one of my longtime fashion dreams come true. I got my first tattoo. This lion who now lives on my left ankle represents Aslan, the Christ-figure in the Narnia books, as well as the courage of my male spiritual side. The original artwork by Nycci Traynor at InkWell Studio
The Lion Under My Skin Read More »
Two opportunities are coming up for blog readers to sponsor me for a good cause. First, I’ll be writing a poem a day in November to raise money for the Center for New Americans. CNA is a community-based, nonprofit adult education center that provides the under-served immigrant, refugee and migrant communities of Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley
Sponsor Me: Fall Fundraisers for Literacy and Domestic Violence Services Read More »
R.T. Castleberry’s chapbook Arriving at the Riverside (Finishing Line Press, 2010) sings the ballads of a wandering man, that uniquely American character who is by turns a prophet, a drifter, a lover, and a wounded warrior. As he writes in “An Arrangement of Necessities”: “Tomorrow I travel,/see my headlights on the car ahead, lay my
Poetry by R.T. Castleberry: “Leaving Alexandria” Read More »