Words, of course, are the most powerful drug used by mankind.
- Rudyard Kipling
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Category Archives: WordMash
The Last Sakura
The last of the late-blooming sakura have vanished into leaves now. I was asked to contribute reflections of my afternoon as a volunteer during Vancouver Mokuyokai Society‘s Ohanami (cherry blossom viewing) earlier in April. You can read the essay which will … Continue reading
Dark Humour for Dark Days
I wonder whether it might be heartening if people could count while alive—even if only on one hand—family and friends who might be shattered for a significant period of time by their passing. Continue reading
The Write for Tohoku Project
Though it is difficult to bear witness to destruction and pain of the magnitude caused by the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake Disaster (東日本大震災 Higashi Nihon Daishinsai), the stories of valour and resilience continue to encourage me in spite of the overwhelming … Continue reading
Transience
Transience seems heavier this year—not the least insubstantial or aesthetic or poetic as drifting cherry petals might suggest. Transience wipes towns from maps. Transience waits on the floor of an evacuation centre surrounded by neatly taped cardboard and folded heaps … Continue reading
Sakura Season
Matsuo Basho remembers the bloom of youth from toothless age. Continue reading
Grateful to Vote–Again
Grateful to be called to the polls again, even for less than desirable options. Continue reading
We in the Mad Spring Weather
Robins mate now. Male birds are particularly aggressive at this time. They will fly at each other, bouncing off each other’s breasts—a mating ritual that is not hurtful but mainly for show. The true courtship is conducted by song, the … Continue reading
Bearing Witness
Since the quake, tsunami and Fukushima crisis in Japan I have spent several hours each day scouring the latest updates, pictures and reports from Japan. Though it gets harder to bear, I am compelled to keep watching. I feel it … Continue reading
Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture, WordMash
Tagged 3/11, Japan Earthquake and Disaster 2011
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Pure Wool: 2010 CBC Literary Awards Entry
Thank you all who responded to my web-launch announcement, for your interest and for dropping by again. Click on the title and read Pure Wool.
The CBC Literary Awards Short List
An email from Christopher DiRaddo, the CBC Literary Awards Administrator: This morning we announced on our website the names of the writers who have been short-listed for the 2010 CBC Literary Awards competition. Unfortunately, your name was not among them. However, … Continue reading