A More Lively Mode

I read James Boswell’s Life of Samuel Johnson in the summer of 1999. At the time I was gathering materials for what eventually became The Book of Mev.  The following passage from Boswell left its…

Take the Long View

I once wrote for a magazine:  I made a calculation, that if I should write but a page a day, at the same rate, I should, in ten years, write nine volumes in folio, of…

On Hope and Expectation

Hope itself is a species of happiness, and perhaps, the chief happiness which this world affords:  but, like all other pleasures immoderately enjoyed, the excesses of hope must be expiated by pain; and expectations improperly…

American Fangs

Dear Carla Twice I read Last Night I Dreamed of Peace: The Diary of Dang Thuy Tram Because of your enthusiastic recommendation I was captivated I was crestfallen Thuy’s diary revealed her commitment Comparable to that…

American Fangs

Dear Carla Twice I read Last Night I Dreamed of Peace: The Diary of Dang Thuy Tram Because of your enthusiastic recommendation I was captivated I was crestfallen Thuy’s diary revealed her commitment Comparable to that…

Breakdown Precedes Breakthrough

Jorge earned enough to be under the taxable limit Because he didn’t want to pay for war He couldn’t say “No” when someone asked “Would you help us fight back?” He gave and gave and…

Hello, Dualism

Hello, Dualism Come, have a shot of espresso with me I know you’ve had a hard time Working overtime nonstop can’t be easy Everyone’s on to you And wants a piece of you You animate…