Author Archives: Jeff

The Second Mountain

Posted on August 21, 2019 by Jeff

David Brooks writes a column for the New York Times. He describes himself as a conservative and a Republican. Here in Texas, those labels in the news have been co-opted by small-minded, mean-spirited, xenophobes trying to out do each other … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews | Leave a comment

Original vs. Unique

Posted on August 21, 2019 by Jeff

Annie Neugebauer does such a wonderful job of explaining the difference between original and unique, I’m going to just link to her post of the same name, Original vs. Unique. They are not the same and the distinction is important … Continue reading →

Posted in Writing | Leave a comment

Settlers

Posted on July 10, 2019 by Jeff

The red oaks are still robed in their green and red glory as we approach Christmas. The hackberry stands quiet in its winter bareness. I do not know the tree with tiny leaves that remain green all winter. Here on … Continue reading →

Posted in Poems | Leave a comment

Immigrants

Posted on June 26, 2019 by Jeff

The fish and chips on the table are an idea imported from England. The English had to wait for potatoes to emigrate from Peru, put down roots, acclimatize, settle in, assimilate. Tikka masala arrived later, a bank shot emigré from … Continue reading →

Posted in Poems | Leave a comment

How Long & How

Posted on June 24, 2019 by Jeff

I can be compassionate for someone without wanting them to be president. I can want them gone from that position without pulling the trigger myself. I can want them gone and want the path to that end be right. There … Continue reading →

Posted in Poems | Leave a comment

2020 Texas Poetry Calendar

Posted on June 22, 2019 by Jeff

My poem “Kent, TX” has been accepted for the 2020 edition of the Texas Poetry Calendar. I’m real proud of this one. It is expected to be published on July 1. The publisher, Kallisto Gaia Press, is good about doing … Continue reading →

Posted in Publications | Leave a comment

Red River Review

Posted on June 21, 2019 by Jeff

Red River Review published my poem, “The Grammar of Juggling” in the August 2017 issue. More recently, the journal has sat idle for several years. Recently, the publisher, Bob McCranie, has taken over as editor and publication has resumed. He … Continue reading →

Posted in Publications | Leave a comment

Between the World and Me

Posted on June 14, 2019 by Jeff

Ta-Nehisi Coates‘ “Between the World and Me” is a powerful book. While reading the last chapter I noticed a rhythmic drive like poetry has. This fits the definition of prose poetry, “a piece of writing in prose having obvious poetic … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Covers and Remakes

Posted on June 14, 2019 by Jeff

I certainly enjoy hearing a cover of someone else’s song, but what really excites me is a group or an artist remaking a song in their own imagining. One of the surest of tests is the way in which a … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Dare Devil

Posted on June 3, 2019 by Jeff

He bungee jumped the tallest bridge, the one in China. It required a lot of lies to authoritarian authorities. The thrill was shorter than he expected. Elsewhere in China, someone built a higher one. The authorities are on to him. … Continue reading →

Posted in Poems | Leave a comment