36. The Family (April, 2024) John and Lynn dive into the complicated bonds of family. Who do we consider family? Those we let into this tight circle can criticize and appreciate us both and still stay members. Every family has its rituals of sorts. What keeps this unit from spinning out so far that the people making it up lose their connection to each other? Our poems and songs, fiction and patter this month tackle both the glue and the mysteries of this most ancient institution. There are limits to membership but what are they and how can they be dissolved or reinforced? Take a deep breath and cast a keen eye onto your own family configurations. Keep the faith and don’t forget humor which makes the whole thing hang together!
Song 1: “Family at the Door,” (by John V. Modaff with Good Enough)
Poem 1: “Midnight, with Dogs” by Mark Sanders. Mark lives in Nacogdoches, TX and teaches at Stephen F. Austin University. https://sandersme1.wixsite.com/mark-sanders/
Fiction: Excerpt from “Words Shimmer,” from The Lost Archive by Lynn C. Miller (2023) https://uwpress.wisc.edu/books/6155.htm www.lynncmiller.com
Feed the cat break: "On the Porch" (Chris Geyerman and John Modaff)
Poem 2: “Sundays in Wichita,” by Kelly Yenser. Author most recently of Walking Uphill at Noon, poems, UNM Press, 2022. https://www.unmpress.com/9780826363732/walking-uphill-at-noon/
Song 2: “All Right Here,” Dan Modaff & Mark Collins, performed by Good Enough.
Episode artwork by Lynda Miller
Theme and Incidental Music by John V. Modaff, BMI
Recorded in Albuquerque NM and Morehead KY.
Produced at The Creek Studio
NEXT UP: Episode 37, “Machines”