For Courtney Barrett
I wrote this a long time ago … From the tears on my cheek It feels like two minutes ago…. First memory: It’s late 1998, I’m sitting outside at McGee’s, a local bar, with…
Author: Mark J. Chmiel
Marvelous Error!
for all dear friends who are returning, all dear friends who are leaving, and all dear friends who are staying … Last night, as I was sleeping, I dreamt—marvelous error!— that a spring was…
Just Another Night at Café Illunination
After the talk on Operation Cast Lead Carla Nguyen and I headed over to Café Illumination Where we began processing what we heard We sat outside as it was a balmy night Odd how calm…
A Response to Dear Layla Welcome to Palestine
I received this generous message recently from Sarah Nash, who is a sophomore at SLU. Mark, I’m not even sure where to begin this email! I guess I could start with a huge THANK YOU….
Tasha and The Book of Mev
I count it as a blessing to have reconnected with Tasha Morris, who took a Social Justice class with me in spring 2007. Now finishing her Master’s in Nursing, Tasha sent me the following reflection…
When Young People Go to War: Share the Wealth with Chris Wallach
What is it that makes young men and women and boys and girls join the service and go to war? What is their experience like once they get there? Chris Wallach will share what she…
“It’s Not All about Us?”
Why is so much omitted from our most familiar Vietnam war stories? The very size, length, and complexity of the war’s history is a partial explanation, but the harder truth is that we have simply…
Metta Meditation Modified
May you be filled with lovingkindness (even through all this) May you be well (despite the tempestuous circumstances) May you be peaceful and at ease (though this may seem remote) May you be happy (at…
Good To Be with You, Too
Marky-Mark–you are such a spark! in those terra cotta colored cords, and your tie-dyed T, driving your fancy mini cooper, shuffling through the SLAM, counting the number of paintings that contained the color, periwinkle. Was…
Morning Meditation, 7.18.2013
May I be filled with loving-kindness May I be well May I be peaceful and at ease May I be happy May Irum be filled with loving-kindness May Irum be well May Irum be peaceful…