Commit themselves to their own, each other’s, and the group’s well-being. True: I cannot schedule a colonoscopy. I am apt to report that the challenge in doing this is the scheduling process itself, but I suspect that may not be the only reason. For the past several years I was reminded at my annual check-up…
Commit themselves to their own, each other’s, and the group’s well-being. Community is said to emerge when people engage in common practices, make decisions together, depend on one another, and commit themselves. I confess that it is this last word — themselves — that snags me most consistently in the definition. Perhaps a clue to…
Commit themselves to their own, each other’s, and the group’s well-being. This weekend I tried to remember the last time I promised to do something. I am not referring to showing up when I say I will or paying my bills. Both of those are promises of a sort, though I rarely call them…
One’s disturbed by stalled career, talking louder than the man he is with. Over coffee they lament their need to avoid the sad legless man. Their narrative calls unappreciated work “The cause of my pains.” One snaps his fingers — Was it the O of my mouth That brought his “Faggot!”? Or did my face…
Peck, scratch, flap. Birds dine, not alone, but with bird pals fluttering nearby. My bowl, mine. My food. Gobble, lick, chow down, wary until cleaned bowls swapped. Pottery in white sets off precious portions to tempt the man outside. Mothers lament why we will not cooperate, share what we are given.
Folded cardboard box Stays the earth’s damp, but rain Ruins doorway sleep. High end fashion pumps Click him into the day light — So close to his head. More, more, more, more, more, more, more, more, more, more, more, more, more, but not for him.
This past weekend I touched a $2,135 sweater. No one stopped me, so I touched the $965 matching pants. Over $3,000 before underpants or socks or shoes. As I am thinking this week about our long-term commitment to our own well-being, the well-being of others, and the well-being of all — well, frankly I cannot…
Paul and I had scores of favorite phrases that we’d use with each other repeatedly. The origins of some of the expressions are lost in the mist of time. Others were born in our childhoods and the circumstances of their first iteration were vividly etched on our corneas and brains. Among them were the following.…
The vote by UWM faculty this week to express their lack of confidence in the leadership of both the UW System Chancellor, Ray Cross, and the Board of Regents prompts me to reflect on my identity as a UWM alumnus and academic staff person. Even as I write this post, I am tempted to use…
Creating Community for Everyone 