Tiny Stories

I recently purchased The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories published by hitRECord, an open collaborative production company.  The stories are truly tiny, usually just a sentence or two along with accompanying illustration.  Click below to read one of my favorites.

“With That Moon Language”

I am currently reading a wonderful book called Tattoos on the Heart by Father Gregory Boyle.  Father Greg (or “G” as the homies call him) has worked with gang members in Los Angeles for the past two and a half decades.  If L.A. is considered the gang capital of the world, then his parish is in what is considered the gang capital of L.A.  It’s a pretty moving read.

In this book he includes a lovely poem called “With That Moon Language” by Hafez.  Who is Hafez? I wondered.  It turns out he was a 14th century Persian poet.  Apparently, Hafez is a household name in Iran where many people still memorize his poems today.

This particular poem addresses that most basic human desire—to be loved, and it also addresses our own potential as individuals to offer that love to others.  Though written centuries ago, it still feels quite contemporary.

“With That Moon Language”

Admit something:
Everyone you see, you say to them,
     “Love me.”
Of course you do not do this out loud;
     Otherwise,
Someone would call the cops.
Still though, think about this,
This great pull in us to connect.
Why not become the one
Who lives with a full moon in each eye
That is always saying
With that sweet moon
     Language
What every other eye in this world
     Is dying to
     Hear.

—Hafez

13 Words

Maira Kalman, one of my very most favorite children’s book author/illustrators, has teamed up with Lemony Snicket to produce a new children’s picture book entitled 13 Words.  Below is a trailer for this book featuring music by Nico Muhly (another favorite of mine).  The creative quirkiness you would expect from a Kalman/Snicket collaboration is on full display in this video.  I haven’t seen this book yet, but I have it on request from my local library!