The Fox at Dawn

Surely the boy that would love them puppies and kittens was still in there somewhere. If only I hadn’t killed him with the good skillet.

• Robert Gipe from Pop

Every time I read or listen to a Jack Tale, I only picture Jack one way- as Robert Gipe. Writer, teacher, artist, activist, organizer, theater maker, Robert has spent his life speaking truth to power. The way he tells it, Truth sneaks in the back door or cracked window in the form of a joke, a story, a drawing, a play. It catches you up in it until the disguise is thrown off and you cannot deny the vision of what he is fighting for- respect, dignity and safety for the people of Appalachia. He gives voice to the voiceless.

At Hindman, Robert is Master of the Introduction, King of the Porch, the voice of the Brier in the annual reading of Jim Wayne Miller’s Brier Sermon, and Inventor of the Grippo’s Salad. He is a friend to all, the one you want beside you in a fight. I am honored to know him.

This line is from the third of his trilogy of illustrated novels: Trampoline, Weedeater & Pop. Read them. Really, just do it.

His website is excellent for all things RG:

https://www.robertgipe.com/

My Advent Tree this year is dedicated to my writer friends and teachers. I am so grateful for all the light you shine in the darkness. 

thank you for this, Loren. Very glad to be on your tree. But there is also this: my pard Amelia Kirby deserves lions share of the credit for invention of Grippos salad.

Comment by Robert Gipe December 8, 2025 @ 5:13 pm

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You’re an honest man Robert, and a canny one who gives credit where it’s due. Many thanks to Amelia for being the brains behind Grippos and many other things I suspect.

Comment by Loren Crawford December 8, 2025 @ 5:27 pm

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