Writing prompt: What to wear? What to wear? (Registers of Dress/Address/Redress)

When I was job hunting in the Bay Area in California in the late 1980s, I found that I had to offer something compelling to persuade people to meet me for an information interview. For example, on the phone with an image and communication consultant I was put on the spot. Why should she meet…

“On the New Year,” a poem of thanks from Ernest Dempsey

Ernest Dempsey and I met in 2007 when he reviewed my book “Sightlines: A Poet’s Diary” on TCM Reviews–Tami Brady’s review site. Since then we’ve become writing friends across the waves. On Riehlife I’ve often referred to him as “Our Man in Pakistan.” Have some fun reviewing the Riehlife archives that feature Ernest Dempsey’s wit…

Merwin’s “To the New Year” comforts at Tucson memorial service

This message speaks to the inherent power of poetry, how we reach for necessary words at times when any words are difficult to find. The recent memorial service in Tucson concluded with a reading of W.S. Merwin’s poem “To the New Year.” We share this poem with you and wish you peace in the New…