See the Tupelo Press 30/30 Project to read the poems for March 27, 2014 by scrolling down to “Day 27/Poems 27” and of course, to read my poem: Red Radiation Diaries: Entry No. 1 / by John C. Mannone
General Introduction to Red Radiation Dairies of an Overexposed Nuclear Worker:
This is the beginning of a poetry chapbook collection based on true experiences while working in the nuclear industry. The names of people and plants have been suppressed to protect the innocent (which may or may not be the folks in the poetic anecdotes).
Though we laugh at ourselves in these collected story poems, please understand that the intention is to laugh with the folks in the story, not necessarily at the nuclear professional.
Sometimes there is incredible work pressure on these folks, which might lead to funny or at least laughable moments. However, I have the utmost respect for my nuclear coworkers, whether they are full time or contract personnel.
I intend to provide a glossary of nuclear terms used in the collection to inform the reader not thoroughly familiar with nuclear plants.
Specific Backstory for “Entry No. 1: The Pig”
At another unnamed plant, a “pig” was “wheeled-out” by the crew per my instructions for a sensitive test on what is called a log radiation monitor associated with a scram function at a BWR (Boiling Water Reactor) plant. It shielded some rather radioactive stuff to be used for a controlled experiment.
John C. Mannone: The Art of Poetry 