Ode to My Father’s Urn

Amid lettered plinths, names call out, Numbers, expiration dates.  Once here, there, and about, Now in boxes sold at high rates.  Benches upon which to sit, Staring at images enamel blazed And plastic flowers never to wilt Resolute against memory’s...

Everybody Counts, Or Nobody Counts

Every year my town holds a contest to see which house has the best Halloween decorations and, let me tell you, some homeowners go absolutely nuts erecting complicated displays ranging from cutesy to downright terrifying. The contest also almost got somebody killed....

Egg City

My daughter had a playdate at a friend’s house, so my wife and I took advantage of our free afternoon and tumbled into bed.  To take a nap.  When we awoke refreshed after our forty-five minute slumber, I said, “Let’s go get a cup of coffee.” Getting into our...

Dark Highway

I was travelling down a dark highway late last night when, just as I reached the exit for the interstate, I saw a body lying in the middle of the road. “Jesus,” I muttered, pulling off to the shoulder.  Steeling myself, I got out of my car and walked over to...

Buried or Burned

I was having breakfast at my local luncheonette when one of the waitresses, a young college student, showed me an example of a tattoo on her phone.  “Which color should I get it in?” she asked, “Black or white?”  I personally don’t care for tattoos and my...

Boulevard of Dreams

I’d hurt my ankle so, after a week on the disabled list, I decided to go for a gentle three mile run on Saturday to test things out. To my relief, there was no swelling afterwards. Besides, I needed to start running a calorie deficit in order to gorge myself at my...

Above This Sceptred Sway

I might write about religious topics from time to time, but please be under no illusions about my level of personal sanctity. I’m very well acquainted with the reptilian part of my brain that seethes with sibilant whispers from the Seven Deadly Sins. Though I’ve never...

Certainty

 A couple of days ago while on a trip to Asia, Pope Francis stated that all religions are “…like different languages in order to arrive at God, but God is God for all. And if God is God for all, then we are all sons and daughters of God.” Of course, bell, book,...

Miles to Go

Late on a beautiful Sunday morning, I found my daughter vegging out in front of the television and decided to at least act like a good father.  “C’mon, I said. “Let’s go for a walk.”  “How long of a walk?” Natalie asked with a trace...

Back Out Now

“Are you going to work today?” my wife asked.  Groaning, I opened my eyes. “What time is it?”  “Eight o’clock.” I was due in the office in half an hour.  “Fuck it,” I said. “I can’t face the office today.”  “You all right?”   “No,”...