Tag Archives: Poetry

Here Stood Mayakovsky

Posted on November 14, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

The Brooklyn Bridge literally loomed large in my Brooklyn family’s history for a century, so I was intrigued when I stumbled upon this impressive limited edition volume. The accordion-fold book Brooklyn Bridge with a poem by the 20th century Russian poet Vladimir … Continue reading →

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…but then you read

Posted on November 10, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Inspired by James Baldwin’s powerful 1963 book The Fire Next Time, musician and poet Meshell Ndegeocello created this intriguing short film based on Baldwin’s writing.

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November for beginners

Posted on November 5, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

“November for Beginners” by Rita Dove Snow would be the easy way out—that softening sky like a sigh of relief at finally being allowed to yield. No dice. We stack twigs for burning in glistening patches but the rain won’t … Continue reading →

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I shared a vagrant optimism

Posted on October 30, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Hunter S. Thompson —”I shared a vagrant optimism that some of us were making real progress, that we had taken an honest road, and that the best of us would inevitably make it over the top. At the same time, … Continue reading →

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It is a river, this language

Posted on October 16, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

I can recall my amazement in reading Chaucer in high school English and marveling at the extent that the English language had changed over time. The short video below by A.Z. Foreman is an enlightening marvelous journey through thirteen centuries … Continue reading →

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Autumn, The Smell of Leaves Burning

Posted on October 14, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Autumn By Louise Gluck The part of life devoted to contemplation was at odds with the part committed to action. * Fall was approaching. But I remember it was always approaching once school ended. * Life, my sister said, is like … Continue reading →

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Autumn Rivulets

Posted on October 10, 2020 by Brian D. Butler
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Tale for Tale

Posted on September 30, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

The Teller of Tales Gabriela Mistral translated by Ursula K. Le Guin When I’m walking, everything on earth gets up and stops me and whispers to me, and what they tell me is their story. And the people walking on the … Continue reading →

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Devotion is full of arrows

Posted on September 25, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

ON KINGDOMS Joanna Klink Who is ever at home in oneself. Land without mercy. Interstates set flickering by night. When I speak to you I can feel a storm falling blackly to the roads, the pelting rains the instant they … Continue reading →

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Beckett’s Theories

Posted on September 17, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Two short works from underappreciated Canadian poet, essayist, Greek scholar Anne Carson.      

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