Have you ever been blindsided by a song you’ve heard a thousand times? The familiar words posing a question that you’ve wrestled with constantly? I had this experience while playing music from Jorge Rivera-Herrans’s new musical, Epic.   A few days ago, I was practicing free writing. I sat at my computer, typing away and letting my thoughts paint the page. “Monster” kept replaying; I listened, though I knew the words by heart. ...

Pastor Morgan Williams placed his hat and umbrella on the bench that lined the wall of the police observation room. “Why call me, of all people? I’ve read the papers. The girl is guilty.” Police Chief Ezra Smoles tugged on the woolen collar of his uniform as the fabric scratched against his skin. “There might ...

I’m swept awayIn the swelteringStorm, you pulledMe into. I became yourLoyal companionSunlit days,Midnight hours. All it tookWas one glanceToward my path,My fate was sealed. Are you a hero?Are you a villain?I cannot discernOne from the other. To ask me thatWould compareTo ask God aboutHeaven and hell. Why is thereGood and evil?Is our days pureHappenstance? I ...

Did you know we’re still banning books? When I was in high school, one of my favorite weeks as a reader was Banned Books Week. This annual event celebrates our freedom to read and highlights the value of open access to information, which often serves as a student’s introduction to the idea of banning books entirely. During this week, ...