Branding help for the Girl Scouts

It’s not because I was a Brownie as a child, but because I am a writer turned content strategist as an adult. Bear with me while I offer some free brand advice to the Girl Scouts. I’m compelled.

Unless you live far from civilization and any sort of elementary or secondary school, you’ll be familiar with the proud signs that parents skewer into their front lawns, or display in windows, boasting of their children’s accomplishments. They’re handed out by school clubs and sports teams everywhere: Continue reading

Hope springs eternal on the South Side

Sunday afternoon, the White Sox are playing.
We sit at home, too lazy (or poor) to be at the ballpark
but rapt before the TV,
inside on a glorious sunny day,
buoyed by the hope that accompanies Spring.
Flowers and leafing trees, a warming breeze,
and a new season
with new young players
who haven’t yet disappointed.
They may yet,
but White Sox fans are accustomed to disappointment,
and the future is not today.
Today it’s still next year on Chicago’s South Side.

Dragon’s breath

The setting sun
breathes fire
across the sky,
vivid red, orange and fuchsia flames
licking the backs
of clouds
over the calm, deep waters
of Lake Michigan.

Perched atop a sand dune
we watch
as it nods earthward
ducks its head under the blanket of the horizon
and turns out the lights.