This Week's Writing 6/21/25

Political violence, war, general awfulness.

Another week grinds to an ignominious end. But! There is kitty!

If you don’t want Gusgus to be forced to eat feet for food, consider becoming a paid contributor; it is $5/month, $50/year, and with that we promise to buy him cat food.

And here’s what I published this week.

Politics

Minnesota and MAGA political violence. (Public Notice)

Yes, protests matter. (EIH)

We’re not fighting for democracy in Iran. (EIH)

It’s good that trans people exist. (EIH)

Cultural Criticism

Artist Edie Fake imagines a gender-affirming future. (Observer.com)

New York school poet Barbara Guest, suspended in meaning. (Splice Today)

Uncle Sexy and the Nephews make country for staring at the wall. (Chicago Reader)

The Recursive Mind and thinking about thinking. (EIH)

Tommy Flanders’ lost folk rock classic. (EIH)

Poetry

A Robert Creely knock off. (Five Fleas)

Morn

when he woke up he was not
who he thought
he was awake but
that wasn’t anyway and what
are you dreaming under
the head he said
I am not going there now

Uncharacteristically earnest poem. (Five Fleas)

For My Daughter

My wish to you is that
you need no words from your father.

Though if you decide you want them
they are here.

Little misanthropic poem. (Five Fleas)

We

clarity is and
you know
what everyone
is

I don’t want to know
what anyone is
there but

we are
stuck
with we