A Letter to “Bon Bon”

From Steve O’Connor: I met John Lavin while attending University College Dublin in 1979-80. We’ve stayed in touch since then. Recently, he began to send me sections of an epistolary work in progress. I was bowled over by the beauty and sincerity of the writing. John’s from an Irish family…

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Daniel Chester French and Lowell

Best known for creating the Abraham Lincoln sculpture at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, Daniel Chester French (1850-1931) had a number of Lowell connections. One link was familial: his grandfather, William M. Richardson, was born in Pelham, New Hampshire, in 1774. At age 23, Richardson graduated from Harvard and began…

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JEAN O’BRIEN Reads a New Poem, “Rupture,” Along With Two Others

This week Trasna is pleased to feature a new poem by Jean O’Brien, “Rupture,” and present two other readings. Jean is an award-winning poet residing in Dublin. She was a founding member of the celebrated Dublin Writers’ Workshop, and has taught in numerous other creative writing programs. She is the author…

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Woke Columbus

WOKE COLUMBUS By Stephen O’Connor It’s 1492. Christopher Columbus is leaning on the taffrail of the Santa Maria, writing in his log. He raises his head, brows knit, looking toward the horizon as he polishes the lens of his telescope with a lace handkerchief. Finally, he tucks the handkerchief into…

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Time to Find the Best Donuts

Time to Find the Best Donuts By Chris Geggis Figuring out the best donut shop, that is not one of the multitudes of Dunkin’ Donuts in the Lowell region started out innocently enough. I had a meeting in our office building at Connector Park in the Spaghettiville conference room. I…

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