Monthly Archives: November 2024

When the Light Knocks on the Door

By Robin Bates | Published: November 30, 2024

Gwendolyn Brooks’s poem “truth” dramatizes the conflict between disturbing hope and familiar darkness. Think of it as an Advent poem.

By Robin Bates | Published: November 28, 2024

Ruth Krauss’s children’s literature, often illustrated by Sendak, recognized and empowered me as a child.

By Robin Bates | Published: November 27, 2024

Think of Wordsworth’s “Tintern Abbey” as a gratitude poem appropriate for Thanksgiving.

By Robin Bates | Published: November 26, 2024

Kipling’s “Recessional,” written as a warning to the British empire, applies as well to America today.

By Robin Bates | Published: November 25, 2024

Reading childhood favorites to invalids can have a restorative effect.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged reading therapy | Comments closed

By Robin Bates | Published: November 25, 2024

Pete Heseth, Trump’s nominee for Sec. of Defense, is indistinguishable from the guardians in “Handmaid’s Tale.”

By Robin Bates | Published: November 23, 2024

A Malcolm Guite sonnet to celebrate “Christ the King Sunday.” The poet offers other metaphors than “king,” which is fine by me.

By Robin Bates | Published: November 21, 2024

South Korea’s 4B movement, aimed at toxic men, may owe something to Aristophanes’ “Lysistrata,” written 2500 years ago.

By Robin Bates | Published: November 20, 2024

While many Americans feel betrayed by their fellow voters following Election 2024, Dante’s vision of betrayal in “Inferno” may not apply.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Dante, Donald Trump, Inferno | Comments closed