“The humours of the body cannot withstand such elevations. Think of the tawny men of the Andes who have been raised in the clouds. They are slow-witted, with arms and legs like tree trunks and the brain of orangutans. They are born to it and their humours have had time to shift accordingly. But a … Read moreHumour Test
Laverne stepped onto a milk crate, in front of a hand-painted poster of old men and women tossing away their canes; wavy-haired men flexing their muscles; trim-waisted women admiring their jewels; and apple-cheeked children scoring touchdowns. Laverne followed the circus, setting up just outside the grounds, along with the other traveling salesmen. The poster hung … Read moreNot of Heaven Nor of Earth
Originally written on 2/12/2011; rewritten and reposted 9/10/2017 Joel hadn’t had a good idea in some time. His blood-seeking wasps were rejected by the military. His cabbage-fueled car got excellent mileage but the odor of farts inside the car was overwhelming. His proposal for a three-legged horse, which he pointed out, would offer improved stability, … Read moreHide and Seek
Written on 3/17/2011 “Dad, can I have a gun?” asked Thad. “Why do you need a gun?” Thad’s dad didn’t look away from his computer screen. “I need to kill somebody at school.” This got his dad’s attention. He turned around in his chair to face his eight-year-old son. “Why would you want to kill … Read moreGun Play
Written on 1/23/2011 Bernie removed his ill-fitting headphones and disconnected himself from the auto-dial computer. He lumbered out of his cubicle, relieved to be free from another day of customer service. He had once again been chastised by his supervisor for growling at the customers when they became rude. Outside, the cool evening air bit … Read moreBarely There