Doug Hoekstra

Just Mercy

The Equal Justice Initiative was founded in 1989 by Bryan Stevenson, a public interest lawyer and author of “Just Mercy.” EJI is a nonprofit that provides legal representation to folks illegally convicted, unfairly sentenced and/or abused in prison. EJI is anti-death penalty and helps with re-rentry assistance. EJI also runs the Legacy Museum and theContinueContinue reading “Just Mercy”

Scott and Zelda

Random thoughts. I’ve been fortunate to schlep all over the states and a lot of Europe, through gigging and general rambling, but recently I realized I’d never made it to Montgomery. Alabama. I know it’s not Rio or the French Riveria, but it is only four hours down the road and its history always intriguedContinueContinue reading “Scott and Zelda”

Wildflower Magic

Spring is wildflower season in Tennessee, so took some rambles last month to Short Springs Natural Area (Tullahoma), Cedars of Lebanon State Park, and Beaman Park (Ashland City). Couple guided walks, several solo rambles. I’m always amazed at these naturalists, who can identify every plant and flower, tell you if it’s edible, what it smellsContinueContinue reading “Wildflower Magic”

Offseason – New Poem

Offseason (Italian Sonnet) Pleased to share another new scribbling of mine, “Offseason,” which appears in the latest issue of The Big Windows Review, an excellent literary zine based out of Ann Arbor. This piece is an Italian sonnet. I don’t usually write to form, but sometimes in writing and music, I think using a predeterminedContinueContinue reading “Offseason – New Poem”

Game of Telephone – New Poem

Pleased to share another new poem of mine, “Game of Telephone,” which appears in the latest issue of Feminine Collective, a fine online publication featuring poems and stories by writers dealing in “humanity, raw and unfiltered.” Authenticity as the compass. Founded a decade ago, by writer/model Julie Anderson, FC’s mission is to empower, educate, and entertainContinueContinue reading “Game of Telephone – New Poem”