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.

Translating a Cryptic Text Helps Weather It

Rodney Gómez, “Mortification by Census,” Poetry, May 2023. Mortification by Census brown but which kind?no entry for oleanderno entry for ocean spume this cell by which various selves are collocatedthis cell by which various selves are evaluated to geocode the … Continue reading →

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Mona Kareem’s ‘Nights’: Stanzas 5-7 (End)

This post is continued from here. Poetry, May 2023 publishes the Arabic text of Mona Kareem’s poem Lailayāt (“Nights”) along with a translation into English by Sara Elkamel. My translation follows below. 5Born between a tree’s two hands, a croneproffers … Continue reading →

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The Devil in the Machine

This gallery contains 1 photo.

The only social medium I frequent is YouTube. While eating meals I watch elephant videos, Fry and Laurie, sports brawls, blooper reels, and Tuba Skinny. There’s also a good series by a guy who farts in public. The engagement algorithm, … Continue reading →

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Mona Kareem’s ‘Nights’: Stanzas 3-4

This post is continued from here. Poetry, May 2023 publishes the Arabic text of Mona Kareem’s poem Lailayāt (“Nights”) along with a translation into English by Sara Elkamel. I can’t vary in any interesting way Sara Elkamel’s excellent, close translation … Continue reading →

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Notes on Poetry (Surprise)

“I know this sounds strange, but I think the elephant was also surprised that there were people in the room.” (John Kenney) (“The Elephant in the Room: An Oral History,” newyorker.com, 5-24-23) (c) 2023 JMN — EthicalDative. All rights reserved

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Mona Kareem’s ‘Nights’: Stanza 2

This post is continued from here. Poetry, May 2023 publishes the Arabic text of Mona Kareem’s poem Lailayāt (“Nights”) along with a translation into English by Sara Elkamel. 2A cloud comes into view.God smiles, it’s my belief, for the hapless … Continue reading →

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Notes on Poetry (‘Expressing the Unsaid’)

He was so handsome, so fine and flinty and long-boned, that he was a shock to be around — he made people stupid, or teary, or angry or skin-starved, sometimes all at once. (Dwight Garner) (Dwight Garner, “Sam Shepard and … Continue reading →

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Mona Kareem’s ‘Nights’: Stanza 1

I’m pleased to encounter Mona Kareem in Poetry, May 2023 after first reading of her in Arablit & Arablit Quarterly. The Poetry issue prints the Arabic text of Kareem’s poem Lailayāt (“Nights”) along with a translation into English by Sara … Continue reading →

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Once More Into the Breach, Dear Solons!

The country is experiencing mass mental health incidents in front yards, parking lots, retail centers, worship and entertainment venues, schools, parks, clubs, sporting events, parties — wherever 4 or more targets like to congregate. State governments are circling around the … Continue reading →

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On the Language Front

This is a headline in USA Today: 3M fires long-time executive Michael Vale amid ‘inappropriate personal misconduct’ claims. We’re not savages. All misconduct, be it personal or professional, should be rigorously appropriate. This is from The New York Times: Ms. … Continue reading →

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