Bruce F. Murphy is a poet, essayist, and freelance writer. His most recent book is The Encyclopedia of Mystery and Murder (St. Martin’s Press). Get Commonweal’s latest, delivered twice weekly. Email address Published in the 2004-10-08 issue: View Contents Recommended for you The Importance of Being a Burden By Cathleen Kaveny July 30, 2026 Imitation of Life By Dorothy Fortenberry August 5, 2026 ‘They Don’t Want to Say Yes’ By Phyllis Zagano July 28, 2026
