Fireflies after thunder...

“There is a kind of beetle in Malaysia, one with shimmering capabilities—a firefly. … Clouds of these creatures buzzed and circled just below the forest canopy … Beneath them the forest floor was bright, the broad-leafed ferns, spiky flowers, and twining creepers...

Killer Plants

Yesterday’s beautiful poem and the accompanying image invited some lively reflection on the peculiar talents of carnivorous plants. Insects and arthropods—maybe even humans—beware! These plants have odd appetites. And you have to admire their sneaky methods of attracting killing...

Amor Oscuro

Is Spanish the language of darkest love or is it French? Today I vote for Spanish. And to prove my point: a little bit of Francisco X. Alarcón’s DE AMOR OSCURO (Of Dark Love)—sonnets in the Neruda tradition. Alarcón writes in Spanish (this poem translated in to English by Francisco...

Dead Love Lovers

It’s unusual … but apparently some publishers and booksellers LOVE zombies. Bless them.  Stone Bridge Press and Book Passage are making it easy to pre-order DEAD LOVE. All you have to do is hit the Stone Bridge link here or in the banner. Or, you can go directly to Book...

4. Pachinko Palace (2)

My new teacher, my sensei, watched me dance—ballet, butoh, modern jazz. It was exhilarating. I did my best. He said, “You have a talent I have not seen for a very long time.” Then he bowed. “I have a part in my new ballet. You will dance for me?” he asked gently. “I would be so honored,”...