The end of December brings my birthday and the annual notable deaths wrap-up of expired celebrities, scientists, politicians, and famous ne’er-do-wells. I usually forgot most were still alive. I check the ages, and most are reassuringly far from mine. But some are much too close. Will my life merit a notable death? Do I have … Read moreAnother Annual Review
The Facebook like. The happy birthday text. The ghost of a relationship long passed. Who are you now? No idea, really. When I knew you a million years ago the friendship seemed important and possibly meaningful. School-enforced proximity brought daily sightings, hellos, jokes, sometimes lunches, and always parties. Now? An itch of guilt soothed by … Read moreWeed of Loyalty
I never knew terror until her arrival. People exaggerated, I thought. The fat rolls and giggling, then crawling with gusto. A smile so sweet, never before seen on earth. Then, sitting at the table unafraid of any food, refusing help to leave her chair. Pigtails and running with glee on tiptoes to foil the Tickle … Read moreThe Gooey Center
Call me Ishmael, or Ishy for short. Winter is tough for me. I always feel a little down, which aggravates my acid reflux. I’d like to get away somewhere with a sunny beach, but I’m between gigs and unemployment won’t fund a vacation. I saw ads for work on a fishing boat, which sounds perfect. … Read more[email protected]
My parent’s mountain cabin Hides a secret trail Along a secret stream A delicious escape from the dusty Heat of summer Cool spring water burbles Over granite stones and boulders Sand sparkles in the pools Between fallen trees Ferns grow tall along the path Soothed by the light spray And protected by giant pines Bright … Read moreLike Something You’ve Never Seen
What’s your favorite color? My environmental receptors Perceive energy at all wavelengths Some of which humans have Divided Into seven adorable categories radio microwave infrared optical ultraviolet x-ray and gamma ray. What humans call Color Occurs in the so-called optical range A grossly unscientific name Since many animals perceive far beyond it. Energy is a … Read moreThe (AI) Critic
Every driver eyes The Vietnam vet Riding his scooter Bouncing along the sidewalk Top heavy Taking curb cuts without Slowing Tilting Into traffic and Teetering On the brink of ruin But just as quickly Righted Even though every pebble makes it Shimmy And Shudder He rolls onward The tiny American flag fully erect From the … Read moreApace
Two pedestrians, looking at their phones, bump into each other. “Oops. Sorry I … Oh, wow! I did not expect … you.” “Oh shit! … Shit sorry, not shit. I’m just … surprised … too.” “Yeah … yeah. Very surprised.” “Really. Very. Shit. Yeah, you … how are you?” “Great … great. Really great. Never … Read moreThe Encouter
It starts as a little tickle In the backside of your brain A GIF or something like it If you only could abstain You feel the slightest cringe And perhaps, a smirk as well Nothing better than knowing Someone else is going to hell Bad manners, fights, and tantrums Bikinis, abs, and more Watching sinners … Read moreThe Upside of Modesty
Chromed clam Flying over pavement Clutching my handle Like an unsteady bar fly Singing Your pearl A chirpy chime Ding a ling.