Monthly Archives: January 2021

Our Fragile Democracy

By Robin Bates | Published: January 10, 2021

Feeling fragile about democracy in the wake of the Capitol desecration? This Millay poem may capture your sense of foreboding.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged "Underground System", Capitol invasion, Donald Trump, Edna St. Vincent Millay, white supremacy | Comments closed

The Gods Wait to Delight in You

By Robin Bates | Published: January 9, 2021

Following a grip week of Covid deaths and attempted insurrection, here’s a Charles Bukowski poem for momentary relief.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged "Laughing Heart", Charles Bukowski, light in darkness | Comments closed

A Man with Soul so Dead

By Robin Bates | Published: January 7, 2021

Sir Walter Scott describes Trump perfectly in “My Native Land.” “Living shall forfeit fair renown, and doubly dying shall go down.”

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Trump’s and Shakespeare’s Mobs

By Robin Bates | Published: January 6, 2021

Thursday In Shakespeare’s Henry VI, Part II, the ambitious third duke of York, Richard, enlists former officer Jack Cade to instigate a mob uprising in the hopes of overthrowing Henry. Richard makes his designs clear: he wants to “reap the harvest which that rascal sow’d.” To so-called Cade rebellion is temporarily successful, as has been […]

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Henry VI Part 2, William Shakespeare | Comments closed