Will only the flexible survive?

I’ve read Brian Calvert’s essay “Down the Dark Mountain” (HCN, 7/24/17) twice now, and will read it again, along with some of Robinson Jeffers’ poetry. I can’t recall a more intriguing and exhilarating piece of environmental journalism. Rare is the environmentalist who will acknowledge that we do not appear able to avert an ecocide, and confronting […]

Brian Calvert’s piece “Down the Dark Mountain” (HCN, 7/24/17) was good, beautifully written, but … Robinson Jeffers a “forgotten” poet? While I’m glad Jeffers’ work and life have been brought to the attention of HCN readers, as one of those readers myself I have to tell you I’m a little peeved. You would have a […]

Thank you, Brian Calvert, for sharing your deep dive into the spirit (“Down the Dark Mountain,” HCN, 7/24/17) and writing personally of a journey so many of us are making. As you discovered, poet Robinson Jeffers preceded us on that journey, and his works deserve a new generation of readers. He deeply inspired “archdruid” David […]

My heart broke when I read about Chris Apassingok, the young Yupik whale hunter from Gambell, Alaska (“Death Threats,” HCN, 7/24/17). A couple of decades ago, I would have agreed with Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Society — although not as vehemently or with malice — on the principle that it’s not necessary to […]

I was moved by Brian Calvert’s eloquence, his personal soul-searching, and his finding solace and hope in the words of Robinson Jeffers. I was less impressed by his conclusions centering on beauty and justice and his referencing Douglas Tompkins’ quote, “If anything can save the world, I’d put my money on beauty.” It seems clear […]