Author Archives: Robin Bates

For Pride Month, An Awakening

By Robin Bates | Published: June 5, 2024

Wade’s poem “When I Was Straight” describes a literal awakening that foreshadows a literal awakening.

By Robin Bates | Published: June 4, 2024

Is civic virtue becoming a relic of the past? Gullliver’s Travels can help keep it alive.

By Robin Bates | Published: June 3, 2024

Should Biden pardon Trump. This article, citing “Merchant of Venice” and a Milosz poem, argues no.

By Robin Bates | Published: June 2, 2024

With the recent furor over the Alitos’ insurrectionist flags, it’s worth revisiting Whittier’s poem “Barbara Frietchie,” also about a flag.

By Robin Bates | Published: June 1, 2024

Jan Richardson’s poem about the Visitation calls Elizabeth’s house a sanctuary for Mary.

By Robin Bates | Published: May 30, 2024

How did Trump feel as the verdict was delivered? Perhaps like Fagin in “Oliver Twist.”

By Robin Bates | Published: May 29, 2024

Will Trump once again escape justice? An Emily Dickinson poem captures the sentiments of those of us who fear he will.

By Robin Bates | Published: May 28, 2024

A Gen Z activist cites “Brave New World” while pointing to the problems with phone-based childhood.

By Robin Bates | Published: May 27, 2024

When I first encountered real hunger in Appalachian Tennessee, having read “Pinocchio” helped me understand what I was seeing.