THE GATHERING

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

ALWAYS AROUND

Early morning winds. The signature of change. Branches sway under invisible force proving winds visible actions. There are no lines of streaming; randomness is consistently present. From all sides it pushes.  Objects may divert its path, but never restrict its intent.  Its pattern is untraceable, regardless of science, it changes without reason.  It curves within … More ALWAYS AROUND

LOOKING ABOUT

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

TOGETHER

The vestibule reacted with a swirling of music; hands clapping, people opening with generosity of song.  The stone floor echoed like a thousand flat stones skipping on smooth waters.  Leaded colored glass spread its glow across filled pews. Words of faith warmed the room. Emotions resembled a layer of deep water, solid and without interruption. … More TOGETHER

PREPARE

The clouds were squared up in misted puffs, moving in silent streams, blocking all evidence of an earlier blue sky where sunlight passed through leaded glass. Hands cut from stone, prepare for the storm.  Clothes from line are grasped like children walking too close to fire.  The winds begin to speak; its inertia not always … More PREPARE

THIS DAY

The release of loss Should be a temporary dark over; like a half smile, part with you, part at you.   It’s when confessions drip from a repentant tongue, loosening squeaky thoughts, relieved to be free.   The inside of healing words fight to the surface, struggling for new air; a chance for old shadows … More THIS DAY

DOWN AWAY

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

DETERMINED FORCE

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

END AROUND

     I felt the water clock hold sentence over me.  Dribbling out good, bad, indifference and sincerity. Its pendulum was silent, though refreshing me with reminders like a mirror reflecting the truth. Every experience has weight; the winning, losing, success and luck. We balance them until it tips. The result of results are unspoken for. … More END AROUND

LINE UP

He wore a dark herringbone wool shirt. Ivory buttons were the stepping stones holding his two halves together.  Strength and honesty were the bare knuckles of his core.  His eyes are  the password for those to enter. Men wearing winter coats and hats  shuffle forward.  Downcast, they hold respect for their place. The food and … More LINE UP