Bolivia Highlights, Part 2

A few months ago, I posted some photographs of the ruins of Tiahuanaco. It’s an amazing site, resonating with culture and mythology, and I’m thinking a few more photos are in order, especially now at the beginning of spring. This is Kalasasaya, the temple of standing stones. Overlooking the eerie Subterranean Temple, Kalasasaya is built […]

Easter Poetry Fix: Czeslaw Milosz

The Polish author’s first great poem—stark and austere, then stinging with emotion. Encounter We were riding through frozen fields in a wagon at dawn. A red wing rose in the darkness. And suddenly a hare ran across the road. One of us pointed to it with his hand. That was long ago. Today neither of […]

Poetry Fix: Thomas McGrath

Two short, crystalline poems by North Dakota native Thomas McGrath. * How could I have come so far? (And always on such dark trails?) I must have traveled by the light Shining from the faces of all those I have loved. * You out there, so secret. What makes you think you’re alone? *

Film Series: Buena Vista Social Club

I’m focusing on documentaries this year for my local film discussion series, and we kicked things off on Thursday with Wim Wenders’ musical documentary Buena Vista Social Club. As he follows the lives of Ibrahim Ferrer, Compay Segundo, and other legends of Cuban jazz, Wim Wenders works with great elegance and subtlety. I always sense […]