WRITING AFTER SUNSETS
For years, I maintained a separate blog called writing after sunsets as a place for my thoughts on writing, reflections on teaching, and an outlet for writing that matters to me in ways that make me want to control how it is published. It has also been, from time to time, a platform for the work of others I know who have something to say.
Now, with this site as my central base of online operations, I’m folding that blog into the rest of my efforts. All previous content is here for easier access, but the heart of writing after sunsets remains in both my earlier posts and those to come.
Or so the song goes.
What we don’t do about those divisions might just be our defining characteristic as a nation.
Photo by Mohammad Metri on Unsplash
My essay, “On small towns, protests, and backs turned…” relies heavily on lyrics from nine songs that punctuate the end of each of its sections. Some are ironic, some directly connected, but all coalesce around a particular thread in my thinking.
All of these songs end up—intentionally or unintentionally—focused on the divides between us.
What we don’t do about those divisions might just be our defining characteristic as a nation.
“Devil Inside” by INXS
“Small Town” by John Mellencamp
“For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield
“Hell You Talmbout” by Janelle Monae and Wondaland Records
“Silence” by PJ Harvey
“Biko” by Peter Gabriel
“Know Your Rights” by The Clash
“Under Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie
“Behind the Wall” by Tracy Chapman