“Via Appia at Sunset,” Alexander Ivanov, 1845

Oil on canvas.

My “prayer upon an empty hilltop” will be published in the second annual “Gathering” poetry anthology.

I’m so happy to learn that my “prayer upon an empty hilltop” poem will be published in the second annual Gathering poetry anthology — due to be released at the end of August by Poets Anonymous!  I will post details and ordering information as it becomes available.

I had my work selected last year for the Gathering’s inaugural issue, so I am especially honored to see one of my poems published in this second annual collection.

Thanks once again to Bards President James P. Wagner, as well as Lesley Tyson and Megan McDonald of Poets Anonymous!



Detail from “The Garden of Earthly Delights,” Hieronymus Bosch, late 15th century

Oil on panel.  Right panel, upper right.

Because they can’t just … Sho Kosugi. (Okay, that was terrible.)

Dude discussing ninja movies on a Gen X Facebook page: “I’m just wondering where all the ninjas went after 1993.”

Me: “Oh, they’re still there. YOU JUST CAN’T SEE THEM.”



Cover to “Out of the Shadows” #11, 1954

Standard Comics.  I’m uncertain of the cover artist — but I have seen Ross Andru credited.

“Evening Reading,” Georg Pauli, 1884

Sign outside downtown Roanoke restaurant: “NEAT DRESS REQUIRED.”

I don’t own ANY dresses.

Seriously, though — I actually stood there for a second pondering what sort of sort of slovenly dresses women had worn in order to prompt management to make the rule. (Was it a wild Saturday night?) Because I am slow on the uptake.



Nurse Your Favorite Heresies in Whispers