Particle Jockey

I am a particle jockey

A glass of scotch in one hand

that 

     infinitely sensitive dial 

in the other.

The speed, the thrill, the adrenaline 

like nothing, not even sex.

And most certainly no game for 

    old men 

    or drunks, 

yet here I sit,      dancing through reality.

Of Children and Monsters: a Reflection

“Has increased globalization and environmental activism changed the stories we tell our children?” This was the question that I was left with after attending John Lampen’s workshop, “Writing for Children with Respect,” at Quakers Uniting in Publications’ (QUIP) annual conference. It was not a question Lampen asked. It was his analysis of why monsters are presented differently today that caused me to think about it. What I found fascinated me and I hope you will also find it interesting to ponder, whether you agree with me or not.

Quaker Writer or a Quaker, Writing: Reflection

In May of 2022 I attended Quakers Uniting in Publications’ (QUIP) annual conference. It was an uplifting experience, and I came away with much to think about. One of the workshops was entitled “A Quaker Writer, or a Quaker, Writing? A Workshop with Philip Gross.” This was not a question I had spent much time thinking about. I still don’t have a definitive answer, but the workshop did change my perspective. If you had asked me before the workshop, am I a Quaker Writer, I would have said, “no.” Now, I think I would have to say “maybe,” and I would like to explain why.