Michael Simms: Saul Alinsky’s 13 strategies to take your community back from Trump
Saul Alinsky (1909 – 1972) is generally considered to be the founder of modern American community organizing. Alinsky focused on improving the living conditions of poor communities across America, especially the … Continue reading
Michael Simms: Muse
As a musician, he was solid and reliable, but unimaginative. His chief talent lay in being in the right band. He enjoyed drinking and taking drugs, still in the initial … Continue reading
Michael Simms: Thank you, Mr. President
Barack Obama: School’s out! . Thank you, President Obama! You served the country with dignity, grace, and honesty. You accomplished a great deal in eight years. You pushed through health … Continue reading
Ellery Akers: Before the Inauguaration
I go out and apologize to the leaves. I’m sorry, I say. I love the way you shake in the wind. The way you uncrinkle in the spring. I wish … Continue reading
Michael Simms: The Very American Poetry of Jose Padua
What are poets for in destitute times? — Hölderlin . Every poem is a subversive act. In an age when our senses are benumbed by competing media screaming for our … Continue reading
Michael Simms: Meet our new Secretary of Defense — General James “Mad Dog” Mattis
In the list of frightening cabinet appointments by President-elect Donald Trump, perhaps the most disturbing is his pick for Secretary of Defense, General James “Mad Dog” Mattis. Not only would … Continue reading
Michael Simms: Two Thefts
When I was in college, I committed larceny twice. Forty years later, I still feel pleased by the first theft and ashamed of the second. I was living with a … Continue reading
Michael Simms: Top 10 best really terrific things about Trump becoming President
Most of us didn’t vote for him, so we can always claim that he’s not our fault. Putin and the Russians like him. They really really like him. … Continue reading
Michael Simms: Going Deaf
Now is the time for drowsy tanagers. -– E.S. . First I lost the tick of snowflakes hitting glass. Then the sound of the cat’s tongue running over her fur. … Continue reading
Michael Simms: President Donald Trump
My countrymen, what have you done? You’ve elected as your leader a man who despises you; who has no respect for law or custom or simple decency; a small vulgar … Continue reading
Michael Simms: Voter Intimidation — How it works
Donald Trump has claimed that a win by Hillary Clinton would be proof of a rigged election, and he’s calling on his supporters to fight voter fraud with voter intimidation. … Continue reading
Michael Simms: Coca Cola is great as a cleaning fluid — Just don’t put it in your body
I’d like to buy the world a coke. Um, I don’t think so. Coca Cola does terrible things to your body. Medical experts tell us that soft drinks are major … Continue reading
Michael Simms: Counting the Fallen
A boy playing with a BB gun is killed by the police who say he matched the description of a robbery suspect. A man with his hands up is shot … Continue reading
Michael Simms: Evening in the Adirondacks
Always it will be late summer in your mind: Birches give off a full and dark light With a motion you know will abide and return Every evening. You are … Continue reading
