Before I left on my trip I asked the question over here whether people found it easier to create when thrust beyond their normal surroundings.  Three-quarters of the way into my trip and I seem to have an answer for me, for now.  Two answers, actually. My new novel, “A Clash of Innocents,” is being read and while it’s been out of my hands I have allowed myself to wonder if I would be writing another novel after this one, and if so, what would it be and when would I start.  While wondering, the one thing I did believe was that if I was to begin a new book, it wouldn’t be for quite a while.  Well…despite my best efforts, a new idea for a novel popped into my head, nearly completely formed…themes, characters and even (importantly for me at least) place.  I still think I need to wait before I dive in, but I can tell already I won’t be waiting for long.  This damn thing is nagging at me and won’t let me go.  So, I guess, here we go again.

My second answer is that, yes, I did write a new poem, thought I wish I hadn’t.  This one was written for a dear friend who had been battling leukemia for several years.  A few days ago, he closed his eyes for the last time.  And then came the poem.  The funeral is tomorrow, here in Boston.  No matter where I was on the planet, I would have come here to be at that funeral.  It is rather amazing that I happen to be in Boston now anyway.  I’ve given the poem to my friend’s family.  If only I hadn’t had to.