The lioness of Iran

Thomas Pierce, Weekend Edition, NPR, via 3quarksdaily: “NPR’s Davar Ardalan interviewed Simin Behbahani, Iran’s national poet, today from Tehran. She’s 82 years-old and one of the most respected figures in modern Iran. She recites two poems inspired by recent events — one dedicated to the people of Iran and another to Neda, the woman whose […]

The Story of Bonnie and Clyde

by Bonnie Parker (herself!) You’ve read the story of Jesse James – Of how he lived and died. If you’re still in need of something to read, Here’s the story of Bonnie and Clyde. Now Bonnie and Clyde are the Barrow gang. I’m sure you all have read How they rob and steal, and those […]

Dear darling

Yes darling No darling Run darling Fun darling Kiss darling Miss darling Tough darling Rough darling Cool darling Hot darling Couch darling Slouch darling Night darling Dream darling Dear darling My darling

The owl and the pussycat

One of my favorite poems of all time is Edward Lear’s “The Owl and the Pussycat“, who sailed away, for a year and a day, To the land where the Bong-tree grows And there in a wood a Piggy-wig stood With a ring at the end of his nose Nonsense is medicine, love lifeblood.

Poetry and prose

Elisabeth Alexander’s inaugural poem was bad. She’s best when she holds back and condenses. Her prosaic poetry is close to prose, her scenes spare and strong and close to home. “Someone is stitching up a hem, darning a hole in a uniform, patching a tire”. Wonderful! But the scenes were disjointed, and didn’t stand up […]

The Raven

Wonderful, brilliant, romantic, funny, thrilling, naughty Poe. Our greatest classic writer. Happy birthday, bicentennial poet. Vincent Price reads: