From the top of the stairs an opening appears, past street lights and buildings without windows. A rippled blanket of dusty air turns up after trucks and buses. Humidity attacks the skin with the local flavor from back alleys and abandoned trash. A screen door slaps shut. A voice rises above the din of traffic … More OUT THERE
He feigns the opening delight of day with a yawn; his eyes express a sad boredom. He stretches out night, arching himself like a snake wrapped in fur. He saunters with confidence over rugs and hardwood floors, glancing with occasion while passing open doors and shadowed corners for lurking danger. He assembles his lithe frame … More STAYSAIL
I feel the melancholy in the youth of my legs. The missed chances to run while entertaining too much rest; my past indifferences plague me. I remember when I challenged the wind, claiming no defeat or tasting the vanquish of second place. I open to the fondness of fleeting victories, savoring the memories that are … More OVER AND AWAY
That falling star is mine. The one full of my wishes. The dates and times bundled like knotted twine. It’s all there, the broken hearts, skinned knees, minced oaths and promises waiting to be fulfilled. Like the one about my father. His passing too soon and the wish to hear him say my name one … More LOOKING UP
A jukebox holds a corner of the room hostage. Half lit. Its neon’s struggle to blink. A scratchy song labors in love. Diner patrons huddle in whispers. A black and white checkered floor supports night traffic. Crumpled napkins on the tables; one has a phone number written in red. Green cracked seat cushions welcome the … More THE GATHERING
Cottages are closed. Shutters replace screens. A few toys forgotten on lawns. A fishing pole leans against. the shed. The lilac bush is asleep. Lawn chairs stacked. The porch is empty. Rose bushes covered. Mail boxes prepare for winter. Scattered leaves dot lawns and roads. A few seagulls pass quietly overhead. A stray cat wanders … More LOOKING ABOUT
He brushed through the shortcut, down familiar alleys, past trash cans and men sleeping in corners. Onto a sidewalk, weaving past suits, hats and shoes; temporary barriers to the right of passage. The song of buses, cars and sirens stir the soup of air hanging over streets. Further but not farther the … More PARTING PLACES
He possessed great words. Blocks of released thoughts, the granite of wisdom. His words took flight, escaping the boundaries of conversations, creating a new understanding between the lines of ordinary sentences. Like spring blossoming, he opened the pedals of stories, heating the imagination, striking the iron of curiosity. His posture presented authority. His tone … More FULL FLIGHT
Dust rose in menacing circles behind the car; generations of travel brushed to the roadside. Truck lights create lonely shadows. Bleary eyes crave coffee; the liquid toothpicks of temporary vision. Hitchhikers seek the ride of hope. Their boots worn down to sandals as they desire other places. Forgiveness is far from home. Familiar voices are … More DOWN AWAY
A long day’s end began with a defiant wind; subtle at first, steadily increasing. The wrath of its swirling lay embedded within layers of strength. The air was uncertain; pulled from its middle, expanding at the sides. The sun was painted out. Shutters rattled. Garbage lids became weapons. Birds sought refuge. Leaves scattered along with … More DETERMINED FORCE
Roger Singer 