writing

I write when something won't leave me alone.

Language, grief, culture, work, public life. They look like separate subjects until you spend enough time with them.

Start with whichever question is already bothering you. The essays live at this man's mind; this page will get you there.

01 / language and power

An accusation, an adventure into history, and the authority to decide what human writing sounds like.

02 / grief and memory

Three RIP posts before morning tea. Then a father, a school uniform, and the work that continues after language runs out.

03 / culture and work

A residency begins on time in Nairobi. This shouldn't be remarkable. That's the problem.

04 / public life

A visiting president, an uninvited history, and prepared remarks that never stood a chance.

Newest first.

This is the order in which I published them. Importance can sort itself out later.

20 pieces