Poetry, the good stuff, is like those spicy peppers. At first, you say, honestly, it’s not bad, mild. But the lingering heat can bite.

ARE YOU MY WRITER?

I love a well-told story. The form isn’t important. I have my favorite writers, and so do you. Why? Because they are on your level. You hear them, at least partly. We crave stories that fit us, our values, needs, and our fears. Otherwise, the storyline is dry or disconnected. It should hit our hearts or minds. At the very least, we need to be encouraged and entertained.

GIVE ME MORE HOT PEPPERS!

Because of the writer’s strike, I’m now more aware of the changes in the film industry. It’s always been challenging to make a living as an artist. But the television series are shorter, with five episodes in a season instead of 15. Yes, writers can take more work—as can mechanics and barbers.

GUNPOWDER

I have gunpowder in my chest
instead of a heart now,
and it escapes my lips
shaped like a bullet
with your name on it.

Soft people become dangerous
when you destroy the things
they hold dearest.”

Nikita Gill

Writing is a pleasure as well as an art. Poetry, stories, songs, speeches, or words plastered on the subway, whatever your mode, do your work because you love it.