Following Suggestions

When I was young, I did not understand what death meant. Every day, I propped the still one up and offered them a plate, when I made one. I did this but they seemed to have no appetite. I would sing the name to no reply then you came by, said, “Why not place thatContinue reading “Following Suggestions”

The Pill Effect

I told the doctor that the pills weren’t working, I did not wake in a pool of my own vomit. He laughed. He said the pill effect was subtle. I thought about that. Is it not love, then… even if your heart doesn’t beat itself out of your chest?.. even if it feels more likeContinue reading “The Pill Effect”

Cuore Come Fiore

The bills are current, the bed is made. It was sunny and bright at eight, though snow stacks up in for-a-while-yet piles. It is the ‘eye’ of winter and we are still alive. When February slips under the wild days of March, what will come? I am trusting that the heart is a sturdy crocusContinue reading “Cuore Come Fiore”

My Sister Screamed Underwater

My sister screamed underwater once, years ago. We were taking swimming lessons and I remember the scene as if it were a still-life, maybe or a painting by Andrew Wyeth, though my sister’s name was Helen, not Christina. The painting I remember is done in the baked-out colours of august, where anything young or greenContinue reading “My Sister Screamed Underwater”

Might Have Been Somebody

One of the big boats is moving, about to disappear, existing not much longer at the aged horizon. You cannot see from here, but must imagine there is a whirling radar, observing, set atop her steel wheelhouse tower. On his solitary round,  a deck-hand will be making certain every ore-hatch is battened down, lest theContinue reading “Might Have Been Somebody”

January 15, 2025

Dear goodness. I can spend the entire day doing little of consequence and yet…. the moment my head hits the bamboo fibre pillowcase, I fill my ‘trying to empty’ reservoir with a series of brilliant things to say. The words flow. The ideas shine. Yes, Yes… I started the process of falling asleep a fewContinue reading “January 15, 2025”

Sweet Bruises

a human being is hard to kill. the killing often takes 80 or more years and can involve various instruments, some sharp, all brutal. the system of a bi-pedal body is sturdy enough that any worthy attack must occur on several fronts in order to be effective. for teaching example, I offer myself. something hasContinue reading “Sweet Bruises”

Dear Nancy Reagan

Capitol records are round and they play with a beautiful sound. I sent ‘em my tape on the fourth of July but they did not respond. I howl at the moon at midnight and make people laugh at the sight. I’ve often been told, I should never come back ‘cause I give folks a terrible fright.Continue reading “Dear Nancy Reagan”

A Wildebeest Watching the Six O’clock News

If a Wildebeest could watch the six o’clock news, would it be any different from me and you? I present this story as if it were true… A Wildebeest watches the six oclock news, his horns sit idly on the table nearby. Got his feet up, drinkin’ a beer, eating chips and dip. His window on theContinue reading “A Wildebeest Watching the Six O’clock News”