Monthly Archives: December 2018

The Dark

Posted on December 12, 2018 by John Biscello

Remember when we were kids and we’d sometimes have sleepovers and listen to the dark together? That’s what you called it, Anya, listening to the dark.    Sometimes we’d pretend to be camping. We’d set up a tent and eat … Continue reading →

Posted in Prose, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Communion

Posted on December 12, 2018 by John Biscello

Excerpt from No Man’s Brooklyn:    I put on my headphones, turned on my music and hit shuffle. I eased into Nina Simone’s version of “I Shall Be Released.” I wondered about the state of Anya’s soul, and then thought … Continue reading →

Posted in Prose, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Center of Nowhere

Posted on December 12, 2018 by John Biscello

Excerpt from No Man’s Brooklyn: I come from nowhere Daniel, and nowhere is the exact center of the world. Isn’t that exciting?    I agreed with Anya that it was, even though I wasn’t sure what she meant. And I … Continue reading →

Posted in Prose, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Her Body and Other Parties

Posted on December 11, 2018 by John Biscello

Review of Carmen Maria Machado’s exceptional collection of stories: Her Body and Other Parties. “Imagine, now, an episode of Black Mirror, in which the female-body-as-haunted-house is the prime subject, a corporeal metaphor undergoing a cinematic vivisection. A symphonic series of camera … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Press, Prose, Publications, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Radio Ga-Ga

Posted on December 6, 2018 by John Biscello

Radio interview on Cultural Energy, revolving around Nocturne Variations, the writing life, youth, Taos, Brooklyn, and other assorted ramblings. (Show is listed as a link under December programs).

Posted in Audio, Press, Prose, Publications, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Light

Posted on December 6, 2018 by John Biscello

Leave your favorite mug out in the sun for several hours. Bring the mug back inside and sit on your favorite chair as you drink the light that has collected inside the mug. Feel your stomach glowing, and tell yourself—I … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Games

Posted on December 6, 2018 by John Biscello

Ask a tree to play hopscotch with you. Ask a stone to jump-rope with you. Ask a blade of grass to tickle you until it hurts. Ask a bird to help you remember how to fly. Ask a child for … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Clouds

Posted on December 6, 2018 by John Biscello

Stare at the clouds. Imagine yourself a raindrop that has lost its way, a liquid earthbound orphan seeking a return to the woolen prayerbeds of cloud country. Abolish distance, and know that you are already there.

Posted in Poetry, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Wonder

Posted on December 6, 2018 by John Biscello

Ask a child, any child, what the difference is between Monday and Thursday? No matter how they respond, look them in the eyes and tell them how wonderful they are.

Posted in Poetry, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Paper

Posted on December 6, 2018 by John Biscello

Place a piece of blank white paper on a smooth hard surface. Fill a glass of water. Drink half the water, pour the other half onto the paper. Savor the design it makes. Get matches. Light a match. Burn the … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment