THIS IS ONE OF THE NEWER PAGES in the site — an index of longer prose pieces inspired by Matt's story. Each item listed here has its own separate page. I have listed them in the order in which their authors sent them to me.
Karen Deal Robinson: My Memories of October 1998
This piece was written expressly for my site and is a good illustration of the kind of material I'm looking for.
Alopex: What Matthew Shepard Means to Me
John Patrick Day: Learning About Matthew — and From Him (TO BE ADDED SOON)
John, a dear friend I met in 1999 through Internet discussion forums dedicated to Matt's memory, wrote this piece at my request. He and I ironed out a few minor details, and then I put it into cold storage. I am grateful that John knew — before his passing in March 2007 at his home in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada — that I wanted to use his material. It originally had no title, and I gave it the title it bears now.
When I get back from the road, which I estimate I will on October 23 or 24, 2008, I will do what I can, as time allows, to get John's piece up for everyone to view. His good friends Gary and Paula e-mailed me a number of photos of Edmonton — and some of John himself — to select from. So, Gary and Paula, if you happen to read this, please be assured I still owe each of you an individual, personal word of thanks for your efforts. I have not forgotten you. You will hear from me. I have been really busy this past year and a half with other projects. — J. H.
AS WITH POETRY and shorter essays, these should be
heartfelt tributes to Matt — or reflections on his life and death — without personal invectives, political agendas,
or graphic details of the crime scene. I am especially interested in pieces that tell how Matt's story affected
you personally.
I am happy to see your work. Even if you have already contributed to this page or the poetry page, feel free to send other items my way. You may e-mail them directly to me. See the e-mail and other links at the bottom of this page.
J. H.