Author Archives: Robin Bates

Oliver: My Work Is Loving the World

in Mary Oliver’s “Messenger,” the poet provides insight into what it means to live forever.

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The Shot Heard Round the World

250 years after the Battle of Lexington and Concord, immortalized by a Ralph Waldo Emerson poem, Americans once again are rising up against authoritarian rule.

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Good Friday and Imprisoned Immigrants

George Herbert finds Jesus amongst the marginalized in “Redemption,” a good message for America on this Good Friday.

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How Toxic Masculinity Imprisons Men

Those men who are embracing toxic masculinity make themselves vulnerable since it’s so easy to deflate them. Lady Montagu pointed this out in an 18th century poem.

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Imagine the Fall from Eve’s Perspective

A Danielle Coffyn poem, posted in response to Republican’s patriarchal efforts to discourage women from voting (the SAVE act).

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MAGA Reenacts Enslavement of Joseph

In sending immigrants, many innocent of any crime, to foreign prisons, Trump is reenacting the Genesis story of Joseph.

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On Deportations and an Oz Book

Illegal deportations to an El Salvadoran prison are bringing to mind a similar episode in “Rinki-Tink in Oz.”

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Open the Door for Elijah

Marge Piercy applauds the uncomfortable Elijah in this Passover poem.

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Trump CEOs and Plantation Mentality

Trump-supporting CEOs have a plantation mentality, which explains why they tolerate him. Think “Gone with the Wind” entitlement.

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