Author Archives: JMN

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About JMN

I live in Texas and devote much of my time to easel painting on an amateur basis. I stream a lot of music, mostly jazz, throughout the day. I like to read and memorize poetry.

Good Pipes, Bad Vibes

Posted on August 28, 2018 by JMN

I experience a jolt of sad satisfaction in catching myself being two-faced about something. I’ve listened to many of the classic crooners at one time, but not much to Frank Sinatra now. I think it’s because I stumble a bit … Continue reading →

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Classroom Follies

Posted on August 28, 2018 by JMN

In my high school Spanish classes I tried to prepare my students to be aware of stressed syllables. They knew about haiku — more than I did — from their English teachers. They knew of its 5-7-5 syllable count. I … Continue reading →

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“A Prayer for My Daughter” (5)

Posted on August 27, 2018 by JMN

A Prayer for My Daughter by W. B. Yeats (Spanish translation by James Mansfield Nichols) https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/14635/a-prayer-for-my-daughter A Prayer for My Daughter (5) In courtesy I’d have her chiefly learned; Hearts are not had as a gift, but hearts are earned … Continue reading →

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“Big ego, low self-esteem”

Posted on August 26, 2018 by JMN

Is there a certain type of artwork that you keep in your bedroom? Strangely, there are works of mine in the bedroom, but they’re not works that I’ve shown. They’re experiments with painting, plants and patterns, very quiet things. I … Continue reading →

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A Poet Fights for the Environment

Posted on August 26, 2018 by JMN

His war is fought for the survival of such menaced species as the unique richness of butterflies in [Mexico’s] forests, turtles along her coastlines, whales in her waters. Such matters, however urgent, were “outrageously absent” from debate or discourse before … Continue reading →

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“A Prayer for My Daughter” (4)

Posted on August 25, 2018 by JMN

“A Prayer for My Daughter” by W.B. Yeats (Spanish translation by James Mansfield Nichols) https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/14635/a-prayer-for-my-daughter A Prayer for My Daughter (4) Helen, being chosen, found life flat and dull, And later had much trouble from a fool; While that great … Continue reading →

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Ear Fatigue Syndrome and Recovery

Posted on August 25, 2018 by JMN

The wireless speakers strewn about The Shed burble from their niches most of the day. Some days I think I’ve divined the secret of much jazz that I listen to: Play only the notes that are not hummable. I say … Continue reading →

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“Odor of Sanctity”

Posted on August 24, 2018 by JMN

Odor of Sanctity James Mansfield Nichols The body is detritus wrested free From the last-minute clutch of agony. The mortal launchpad of a soul now lies Charred by the life’s fierce burn, the prey of flies. The faithful fight for … Continue reading →

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Reflection on Popular Entertainment

Posted on August 24, 2018 by JMN

I’ve never snorted cocaine or been present when someone else did. But I would know exactly how to do it because I’ve seen it five thousand times in movies and TV. I’ve never held a handgun with that cupped, two-handed, … Continue reading →

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“A Prayer for My Daughter” (3)

Posted on August 23, 2018 by JMN

I’m nervous if a post of mine runs longer than a couple of scrolls, so I’m parceling the translation now into one stanza at a time until the end. I realize that I run the risk of confining myself to … Continue reading →

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