Monthly Archives: January 2024

Truth in ’24, a Pearl of Great Price

By Robin Bates | Published: January 10, 2024

Biden called for truth telling in a recent speech, reminding me of Cowper’s “The Task.”

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Trump, “Vermin” and Terry Pratchett

By Robin Bates | Published: January 9, 2024

In “Snuff” one of Terry Pratchett’s angriest book, the author takes on racism, ethnocentrism, and intolerance.

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Pratchett’s Response to Intolerance

By Robin Bates | Published: January 8, 2024

Pratchett’s Tiffany Aching novel “I Shall Wear Midnight” is a good counter to Christofascism.

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Lit Heals By Keeping Us Off Balance

By Robin Bates | Published: January 8, 2024

Different literary techniques have been used over the centuries to keep us on our toes.

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Epiphany: Seeking Our Heart’s Desire

By Robin Bates | Published: January 6, 2024

In “Epiphany,” poet Dudley Delffs sees the star as our heart’s desire.

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Gilead Is Becoming a Reality

By Robin Bates | Published: January 4, 2024

Atwood’s Gilead is coming to pass as red states ramp up abortion restrictions, leading to horror stories.

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Tales of Wood Splitting

By Robin Bates | Published: January 3, 2024

In which I reflect on gathering and chopping wood.

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Crashing into Invisible Barriers

By Robin Bates | Published: January 2, 2024

In a poem about a bird’s death, Clifton may be talking about much more.

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Nikki Haley, a Minor Character in 1984

By Robin Bates | Published: January 1, 2024

Nikki Haley reminds one of Tom Parsons in “1984.” Also of one of T.S. Eliot’s hollow men.

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