Behind Visions & Verse
At last…context
So often, one shoots a subject, and the answer to its significance is readily apparent, laid bare in the image itself. This particular shot, however, gave me pause for thought and contemplation.
Hidden Worth
Hidden worth often lies beneath the surface, waiting patiently to be uncovered. It is the kind of value that may not be immediately apparent to the casual observer but reveals itself with careful consideration and thoughtful exploration. Understanding this hidden worth can lead to deeper connections and insights, allowing us to appreciate the nuances of people, places, and experiences in a more profound way. Sometimes, it requires a keen eye and an open heart to truly recognize what is invaluable in our lives.
With Stars In Their Black Feathers
Just when I think one of my photographs truly “says” it all, capturing the moment in a way that evokes all the emotion necessary to connect with the viewer, I often find a beautifully crafted poem that completes the visual story. This poem not only embellishes my image but also adds layers of meaning, depth, and connection that make it feel profoundly real.
Revisiting Rita
While waiting with my daughter for an appointment, I found myself engrossed in the pages of "Thomas and Beulah." One of its beautifully crafted poems struck me deeply. I trust that this particular poem will linger in my thoughts and heart for the rest of my life, as great poems so often have a way of doing.
The Extraordinary Rita Dove
Rita Dove was born in Akron, Ohio in 1952. A 1970 Presidential Scholar, she attended Miami University of Ohio, Universität Tübingen in Germany, and the University of Iowa, where she earned her creative writing MFA in 1977. In 1987 she received the Pulitzer Prize for her third collection of poetry, Thomas and Beulah, and from 1993 to 1995 she served as U.S. Poet Laureate at the Library of Congress.
The World At Your Fingertips
My first experience with newspapers took place while sitting comfortably on my grandfather’s lap in the small town of Wellington, Ohio. There, he would read to me, starting with the bold headlines, and then moving on to the various articles that discussed the day’s significant events. After we finished with the news, which often sparked our conversations, it was time to turn our attention to the comic section.
The Rare Magic that was Nikki
Nikki Giovanni died yesterday.
Everyone Is (or can be) a Poet
Benjamin Bannaker (sometimes spelled Banneker) was a talented mathematician, astronomer, and writer, recognized as one of the first important African American intellectuals.
A Long Journey
I recently discovered this profound poem by the renowned poet John Greenleaf Whittier, written in the year 1862, during a tumultuous period when America was embroiled in a devastating war with itself over the deeply polarizing issue of slavery.
Winter Visions & Verse
King & Hughes: An Incorruptible Friendship
For These Trying Times
