New Book Cover The Covid-19 pandemic inspired me to write my first book of poetry, works of related prose, and a few prayers. Poetry is often born during hard times as it is a way for us to express our grief about what is occurring while reaching out to others feeling the same way. The … Continue reading Poetry for Troubled Times
Tag: war
Impact of Russia’s War on Ukrainians
---Sofia's story living in Spain Buildings destroyed by Russian bombing in Kharkiv, Ukraine Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine at the end of February 2022, many people from there have fled to Spain. Indeed, the Spanish government granted temporary protection to more than 200,000 Ukrainian citizens starting on March 9, 2022 when it began giving immediate … Continue reading Impact of Russia’s War on Ukrainians
A Navy Corpsman’s Experience in Vietnam
“We are almost in North Vietnam. The name of the place I’m in is Khe Sahn. I am doing okay and feeling well so for heaven’s sake, don’t worry about me.” --Letter Donald wrote to his mother on January 25, 1968 Donald van der Schans was my first cousin. He was the only child of … Continue reading A Navy Corpsman’s Experience in Vietnam
A Review of 2023
What positive events have taken place in your life over the past year? This is a great question because in terms of news in the world, this has been an awful year, between what happened in Israel on October 7th and what has happened in Gaza since. This is on top of the deeply disturbing … Continue reading A Review of 2023
Can You Help Me?
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com Why do I read the news so frantically, with such desperation? I am searching for a story that will tell me everything will be all right That the death of innocents, of children and old people, has some meaning That war isn’t senseless and stupid after all I am … Continue reading Can You Help Me?
Heartbroken Haiku
The desolation of conflict Heartsick by all the turmoil in the world today Can’t we get along?
Inconsolable Loss
(Especially for Israeli and Palestinian mothers grieving the loss of their children right now. ) I didn’t know the right thing to say I remained speechless Touching her To show support I was there A silent witness to Her pain Her tears Her loss What words Could possibly console A mother Who loses A child?
Both Sides Are Suffering
The other day I was walking by a commercial center and noticed a small black kitten run under a parked car and hiss loudly at a big cat nearby. I was concerned this kitten might run out into the street to get away from the other cat and get hit by a car. Suddenly, I … Continue reading Both Sides Are Suffering
Two Images
By John Edwards a wave surge smacks against this super-yacht languishing marina-bound and impotent now portals still gleam in clear sun looking out on peace no sound of incendiaries here an explosive surge exposes living rooms opening them as a can-opener would soul less eyes of the apartment block glare out onto shattered shards of … Continue reading Two Images
A War Against Truth
Try to remain truthful. The power of truth never declines. Force and violence may be effective in the short term, but in the long run it's truth that prevails.Dalai Lama Lying during a war is the most intolerable crime When innocent civilians are killed The aggressor country says, "You committed these crimes yourself!" When a … Continue reading A War Against Truth
US Author Nancy Klein in Spain 