Plague Poems – The Sixty-Eighth Week
You do not need to say that we are not ready for the challenges that await us for there is ample evidence that we are not ready for the challenges … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Fifty-Second Week
It is not that this week marks the anniversary of the plague but that this week marks the anniversary of our no longer being able to pretend that the plague … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Fifty-First Week
Though words of warning had been spoken they were said at a low volume you can be forgiven for failing to hear them over the loud assurances not to worry … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Fiftieth Week
Some outlets claim that half a million have died as of yesterday. Some outlets will claim that half a million have died by this day’s end. Some scholars quietly suspect … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Forty-Ninth Week
In the winter it becomes dry so very dry in my apartment the skin on my hands cracks my throat grows raspy every winter I intend to but forget to … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Forty-Eighth Week
It is unwise to celebrate in the lifeboat mistake not your relief at being plucked from the waters with the safety of the shore you remain at sea and lifeboats … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Forty-Seventh Week
After so many weeks spent huddled indoors it is a strange pleasure to stay inside buried under blankets drinking hot beverages watching the world through your windows yet it is … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Forty-Sixth Week
Eventually a week will begin the way they used to with you rushing out the front door keys in hand already late hot coffee burning your hand as it spills … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Forty-Fifth Week
That you have become so accustomed to waiting for the world to get worse does not adequately prepare you for the moments when your fears come true. * In my … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Forty-Fourth Week
Where once every ten thousand deaths gave rise to despairing cries as such large round numbers easily quantified the tragedy eventually four zeroes no longer proved shocking and now ten … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Forty-Third Week
Some claim that we should be thankful to be in a new year but thus far the only thing that has changed is the date I have written on my … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Forty-Second Week
Every winter sickness finds me though I get the flu shot take vitamin C supplements and always wear many layers every single winter sickness finds me this I try to … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Forty-First Week
You need not say thank you to those who threw you overboard to those who told you to tread water to those who left you to drown simply because they … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Fortieth Week
There have always been disasters made by men what sets this moment apart is that we know the names of the men who allowed this to become a disaster. * … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Thirty-Ninth Week
Numbering the dead there was a moment when every ghastly multiple of ten thousand was met with fresh headlines but that was a long time ago we were young then … Continue reading
“The Tree of Science” an English translation of Eugene Huzar’s “L’arbre de la science” [Part 3]
“Indeed, what is the seduction of the flesh beside the seduction of science? Nothing; for the seduction of the flesh may well ruin a man, a people, a nation, an … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Thirty-Eighth Week
The month ends as it began with us shivering anxiously in our quarantined hovels as the plague marches through the streets outside. * Where once the smiling photographs from family … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Thirty-Seventh Week
When we read of how past civilizations were overwhelmed by plagues we scoff at their foolishness we sigh at their scientific ignorance we sadly shake our heads and then blithely … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Thirty-Sixth Week
Though you eagerly await (how could you not?) the arrival of a vaccine you must not forget that the plague has not yet departed. * It has been months since … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Thirty-Fifth Week
That we find ourselves with slightly more time in which to solve our problems does not mean that our problems have been solved. * Your hope that somehow perhaps just … Continue reading
“The Tree of Science” an English translation of Eugene Huzar’s “L’arbre de la science” [Part 2]
“Destruction by invasions is forever over; the barbarians who will put our human cycle in powder form will be the forces and energies of nature, these giants who have come … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Thirty-Fourth Week
Clouds can block the heavens crystal balls can fall and break tarot decks can be missing cards an A+ poll can feature a mistake. Even the prescient do not know … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Thirty-Third Week
“We’re not going to control the pandemic” declared the harried man. “That’s the spirit” the plague replied. * An unpleasant aroma wanders from the trash beneath my sink Committed to … Continue reading
“The Tree of Science” an English translation of Eugene Huzar’s “L’arbre de la Science” [Part 1]
When the locomotive of progress carries us away, it is quite permissible to ask the mechanics who direct it to be prudent and to moderate its speed before having assumed … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Thirty-Second Week
In the summer the plague encouraged us to demonstrate that we had learned from the spring. In the fall the plague is encouraging us to demonstrate that we have learned … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Thirty-First Week
Gathered virtually we gave voice to our feelings of loss. “I miss playing for an audience” the musician sighed. “I miss being in the classroom with my students” the teacher … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Thirtieth Week
In confusion and consternation a fatigued people cry out “What is happening?” “I am” replies the plague. * Do not pray for a powerful man to recover. Do not pray … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Twenty-Ninth Week
On this day of awe we set aside our excuses our frail justifications so that we may atone and so that we may forgive the transgressions against us. Sitting in … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Twenty-Eighth Week
A country that does not stop to mourn two hundred thousand deaths is a country that does not have long left. * I understand (how could I not?) why you … Continue reading
Plague Poems – The Twenty-Seventh Week
The clearer it becomes that the future for which I had always prepared has vanished the more confused I am by the ways in which day after day I continue … Continue reading
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