Author Archives: Robin Bates

The Power of Parental Reading

Reading childhood favorites to invalids can have a restorative effect.

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Pete Hegseth, Trump’s Gilead Guardian

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

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Jesus as the Flame within the Flame

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

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Dreams of a Sex Strike

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

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On Dante and Betrayal in Election 2024

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

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Clifton Poems for Cancer Sufferers

Clifton knew cancer well and wrote about it eloquently.

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Trump’s Orwellian Cabinet Picks

1984 understands Trumpism like few other books.

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Returning to a Desecrated Shire

Returning home after 7 weeks abroad feels like Frodo returning home to a devastated Shire.

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After This Is Over–a Prayer

A prayer poem for those who feel they have experienced an apocalyptic moment.

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