An April (2024) Update from MEH
My monthly (?) missive on all things MEH
Random Thoughts & Writing Prompts
It’s been a horrible start to the month, filled with deaths of myriad kinds.
During a reading a few months ago, Whitney Rio-Ross (poet and editor extraordinaire) mentioned the idea of writing out of our joys, our happy moments, instead of our pains. I let this idea rattle around in my head for a while before acting on it. It’s funny how such a simple prompt could serve as an emotional prophylactic against coming traumas.
In seminary, I went down a deep rabbit hole studying the book of Ecclesiastes in the Hebrew Bible. One of the recurring themes is not only how uncertain, incomprehensible, and painfully mysterious life can be—ungraspable as fog or mist (a better translation of the word “vanity” often used)—, but also the power of finding joy in our routines and daily tasks.
Looking back on my snatches of poems and poem-like musings, I was pleased but not surprised to find how many of them were about my kids (students) and the day to day blessed-insanity of being a public school teacher. Also, how many were about spending time with old and new friends.
I work with kids. I know the people who love me and show it. I write every day. That’s more than enough for now.
Poetry Collections I’ve Recently Read
Latest News and Publications
Award News
My poem "dispatches from the desk of Danel: the self-designated disciple and messianic anger-management translator" was nominated for the Pushcart Prize by Pensive: A Global Journal of Spirituality & the Arts.
Recent Publications
My creative nonfiction story “How to Tell a Pure Rage Story” was published in Mayday: Black. A bit of an homage to the Tim O’Brien story of a similar name.
My poem “YHWH breaks the fourth wall” was published in The Windhover.
I have recent acceptances from Porcupine Literary (creative nonfiction) and The Radical Teacher (poetry).
Recent Events
I was privileged to have readings at the Unitarian Universalist Area Church at First Parish in Sherborn, Newton Free Library, Tidepool Bookshop, and Open Doors Center for the Arts last month.
Upcoming Readings and Events
For April, National Poetry Month (so far…)
Apr 3, 2024 ~ Weston Public Library (Weston, MA) with Hannah Larrabee
Apr 11, 2024 ~ A Conversation with Jimmy and Friends {Virtual Reading}
Apr 18, 2024 ~ Rozzie Reads Poetry and Open Mic (Roslindale, MA) with Jennifer Jean and Jason Tandon at Roslindale House
Apr 27, 2024 ~ A Great Notion Bookstore (Auburn, MA)
Apr 28, 2024 ~ Maxima Book Center (Lexington, MA) with Quintin Collins and Sarah Kersey.
[Any updates will be posted on my website]
Why yes, you can still order a copy of my latest collection. How nice of you to ask.
