A poem for Rosemerry. Jack recounts all he learned from students in Atlanta. Cat wrestling. Vivi the dog.
That Roe prayer from a hospital chaplain, August 4, 2022
The Sentimentalist has plenty of sentiments to share today — Ukraine to BLM to Roe. Watch his mind cast back over another crazy week! Happy Thursday. And thanks to Alyssa Muehmel, a hospital chaplain in Ann Arbor, Michigan, who shared this prayer.
July 28, 2022, “Watching You from Across the Room”
The Sentimentalist chats about meanness and danger and women he knows, and shows off that lovely Anthology for Ukraine.
July 21, “A Father”
Today on the Sentimentalist, Jack asks about places loaded with memories, talks about friends old and new in his workshops, shows the cover of the Ukrainian poetry collection, “Busy Griefs, Raw Towns,” whose design and printing have all been donated by Schuler Books so that all sales go to Ukrainian relief.
July 14, “Recovery”
Jack welcomes Ada Limón, our new poet Laureate, and honors Joy Harjo, who leaves the post after three terms. And revisits “Recovery,” a new poem about a life with PTSD. Don’t forget to order your copy of the Ukranian Poetry Anthology, “Busy Griefs, Raw Towns,” available through Shuler books. Read all about it and order your copy here. All proceeds go straight to Ukranian Relief funds.
July 7, 2022, “It Could Be”
Today on the Sentimentalist, Jack and Vivian have a new microphone that, we hope, solves all the problems. Except squirrels. And the Supreme Junta. And the tragedies in our lives. And he brought something for show and tell. Don’t forget to head out to Schuler Books in Grand Rapids to grab your copy of the collection of Ukranian poems dear G.F. edited for all of us. All proceeds go to Ukranian Aid.
June 30, 2022, “It Was a Perfect Day for Baseball”
Jack reflects on his week with women and an illegitimate court. And baseball. And Stonington. And of course, this wonderful anthology, which raises funds for Ukranian relief… A gift for you and the people you know…
June 23, 2022, “Listening to the Day”
Jack’s reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, by Barbara Kingsolver. Advice on getting more quiet into our lives. Some upcoming classes. And Orie’s advice: “Just Listen.”
June 16, 2022, “Vacation: A Fishing Village in Maine”
This morning, Jack consults his list of grievances and joys, and luckily the joys win. Lots of good poetry recommendations. Things to read. Things to watch. Ways of noticing. But especially we’ve been watching the amazing Library of Congress “Life of a Poet,” series. On the YouTubes. You can find these amazing conversations here: https://www.loc.gov/search/?fa=partof:life+of+a+poet
June 9, 2022, “Recovery”
Today on “The Sentimentalist,” Jack revisits Maine, talks about gardening as art and as mental health strengthener, reads some lovely poetry by very young people, and honors Mental Health Awareness Month (last month, but who’s counting?).