My name is Dave Fleischman. After retiring at age 70, I decided that I needed to use my natural tendency to seek off-beat paths to share ideas through creative writing.
Now, seven plus years later I just, May 8 2024, got notified that a work of mine has been accepted by the Revolutionary Poets Brigade for publication in their new anthology For All which will be published this Summer.
Click here to see a copy of the For All anthology.
This is my first work to be published by a group that I have no personal connection to. I feel empowered and grateful.
More, much more to come.
I’m based in Chicago. When not at the computer in the basement, my wife Laurie and I enjoy a full life with travel and many outside and inside activities and commitments.
Random thoughts have always guided my writing.
I’ve heard it said: If you win, then I lose.
I’ve heard it said: I know what I’m doing or do it my way or don’t shake the boat.
I’ve heard it said: Give me control vs relax, they will take care of you.
I’ve heard it said: The cost (dollars/time/proximity/whatever) is not worth it or I’m not against them, but not in my neighborhood or using my resources.
I’ve seen certain people or other living organisms or even the Earth itself dangerously devalued and ignored - and - I have seen certain people or other living organisms or even the Earth itself dangerously overvalued and promoted.
I’ve seen cultures, traditions, and whole societies dangerously devalued and ignored - and I have seen cultures, traditions, and whole societies dangerously overvalued and promoted.
I’ve seen lies, exaggerations, and false scenarios disguised as truths.
A sampling; there are others ———.
Laurie, we share so much. Appreciate all that surrounds you
Haiku Motif
Introduced by chance to Haiku, I was delighted to discover that this writing style brought me enormous joy. I quickly realized though that, like so much in my life, the creative strictures imposed by authorities who offer guidance and rules are, for me, just a challenge to redefine to meet my ultimate goals. On more than one occasion I have been told that there are two ways to approach an endeavor, the “right” way and “Dave’s way”. For writing Haiku, my “Dave’s way” approach is simple - write a stanza that strictly adheres to the line and syllable count rules and write a stanza or stanzas that convey a message or messages or that are just fun. By the way, I will never be offended if the message you get from my work is different from what I think I am conveying. I don’t comment on my work. I leave that up to you. That is why I call my work Haiku Motif.
Other Poetry
My journey into poetry began with an invitation to participate in a four session introduction to writing poetry offered by the arts and activity group at my congregation. I signed up not out an expectation of creating my own work, but to support the group and, through that, my congregation. It turned out to be much more motivating than I expected. I have created some pieces before, during, and after this class. Like all of my creative work it is a reflection of my sometimes odd-ball thinking. :)
Fiction
The fiction that I write is structured around the premise that conventional interpretations of issues and traditions need to be reexamined. I look at a story or an issue that has elements that just don’t make sense to me. I then write fictional works that clarify the questions that I have by proposing different scenarios. My biggest challenge is to not negate others views, but to offer a way of thinking that can result in plausible plot lines that, for at least me, make perfect sense. I only ask that you have an open mind.
Other Writing Pieces
This section contains my writing that does not fit neatly into the other categories above. It contains some of my earliest writing and pieces that I have shared with my synagogue.
