I’m Ken Karlberg, a writer of memoir, narrative non-fiction, and—at times— quietly subversive marital humor. I write like some people confess: about survival, hope, healing, civic duty, and personal responsibility.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I am a retired trial attorney who enjoys writing without the need for a legal citation at the end of every sentence.
I grew up in a dairy community outside Bellingham, Washington, and left home at seventeen. I paid my way through high school, college, and law school by working as a commercial fisherman in Alaska.
In all of my writings, I write to remind myself of my responsibilities as a man, a husband, a father, a son, and a citizen. Recently, my exploration of difficult human conversations has extended into songwriting. If my words resonate with others along the way, I am grateful.
My work explores conscience, resilience, and humor — from the courtroom to the kitchen table, from childhood survival to the love of a rescue dog. Whether through memoir, essays, or song, I’m drawn to the conversations people carry privately and rarely say out loud. If something here feels familiar, it probably is. You’re not alone in it.
Current Projects
Literary Memoir: Maggie’s Gift
(subtitle: Building a Moral Life without Faith or Forgiveness)
Children’s Picture Book: I Wish I Were a Cow
Novel: Duty and the Limits of Loyalty
(subtitle: When One Must Yield)
Selected Feature Articles
If Mother America Could Speak: My Words Matter
If Mother America Could Speak| Bellingham Alive May Edition
Racism, Bigotry, and a Mother’s Love
Racism, Bigotry, and a Mother's Love | Bellingham Alive
Truth First, Country Second, Party Third
Truth First, Country Second, Party Third | Bellingham Alive October Edition
Opioid Addiction: Why Is Saying “No” So Hard
Opioid Addiction, Why Saying "NO" Is So Hard | Bellingham Alive
Selected Essays
A Reminder to Look for the Forest in the Trees
A Reminder To Look For The Forest In The Trees | Bellingham Alive
Forgiving the Unforgiven
Forgiving The Unforgiven | Bellingham Alive
When the Bells Stop Ringing
When the Bells Stop Ringing | Bellingham Alive
Selected Marital Humor Essays
Surviving Menopause
Surviving Menopause- Ken puts his life at risk | Bellingham Alive
P=mc (squared)
P=mc2: Ken takes Albert Einstein behind the woodshed | Bellingham Alive
She Said, She Shed
She Said, 'She Shed' | Bellingham Alive March Edition
Select Song Lyrics
The Man I’m Becoming
Verse 1
This fragile nerve beneath my skin
Feels what others miss —
A blessing and a burden both
A wound that still exists
I stood in front of my reflection
Didn’t like what I could see
A child with scars he’d never named
Staring back at me
Chorus
I don’t love myself for how far I’ve come
Or battles that I’ve won
I love the man who won’t give up
On who he might become
I am the canvas and the brush
The shadow and the light
I keep on trying to paint a decent man —
And that’s the work of my life
Verse 2
I would not blame what shaped my youth
Or wear it like a crown
I would not stay the wounded boy
Or let that pull me down
So I chose the honest, harder road
Where pride gets set aside
To measure myself by decency —
Where the worst of me can’t hide
Chorus
I don’t love myself for how far I’ve come
Or how well I’ve played the part
I love the man who stands each day
And tells the truth to his own heart
Canvas and brush, shadow and light
Still learning wrong from right
I keep on trying to paint a decent man —
And that’s the work of my life
Bridge
I never set my goals to end
When I lay my head at night
The man I hope to be is still
Just barely out of sight
Some dreams you reach and walk away —
The better ones don’t cease
The work of being decent
Is the one that gives me peace
Final
I’m at peace because the man inside
Keeps choosing what is right
Not loudly. Not for praise
But in the quiet of the night.
He stands before life’s mirror
When no one else can see —
And tells the hard and honest truth
To me
Yesterday is gone
Tomorrow hasn’t come
I still have work to do —
Today
On me
https://songer.co/song/d13u35dzao6cl21sjo2kcdt5
I Have Your Back
Verse 1
Between diapers and blue jeans
You were already spirited and brave.
You never waited for permission.
You made your own way.
You owned every room.
You never lost your voice.
That’s who I still see.
Chorus
I have your back
Even when you turn away
I know your name
Even when you forget it
I won’t give up on you
Even if you do
I have your back
Verse 2
I know the dark has learned your voice.
I know the shadows know your name.
I see it when you won’t meet my eyes.
I hear it when you say you’re fine.
You shut me out so I won’t see.
But I know you’re still in there.
Chorus
I have your back
Even when you turn away
I know your name
Even when you forget it
I won’t give up on you
Even if you do
I have your back
Verse 3
This isn’t you.
I know the difference.
You tell me you don’t need help.
I’ve learned what that means.
I won’t walk away.
But I won’t walk beside the lie.
I’m not done loving you.
Final Chorus (First — Vow to the child)
I have your back
Even when you turn away
I know your name
Even when you forget it
I won’t give up on you
Even if you do
I have your back
Final Chorus (Second — Vow to Self)
I have your back
Even when you turn away
I know your name
Even when you forget it
I won’t give up on you
I won’t give up
I have your back
I am here.
I am here.
For you.