Last week, we, here, at ARTS ALIVE SA, came up with the idea of a survey that, we thought, might lift people’s spirits at this time of fear and uncertainty. Our little survey was not scientifically designed. We just asked about 100 folks to share their experiences and tell us about the positive, comforting “silver linings” of life in semi-lockdown. …

Today’s poem is by Austin-area poet, Shelly Barber, who is also an advocate for people with mental illness. The included image comes from “The Anatomy of Fear,” published by The WEEK magazine, Dec. 14, 2019. Developing Agoraphobia By Shelly Barber Crazy stalks me as a rabid fanIn love with how well I portray its likenessI cringe deeper in the shadowsBut it …