Based on "Tonsure" by Kevin Young Forever you findthe taste of maraschino cherriesreminding you of those after work cocktails.He would give you a cherrywhile behind the barmixing his Manhattan.The name Vermouth, strange, on the bottle.This was the ritual,hero worship.He would … [Read more...]

Avalon, New Jersey There's a whole beach and two little boys land in a spot nearby, next to me. I've come here, alone, to take some timefor calm reflection.I feel proud for seeking this moment. Nestled in a beach chair, I look down at my sun-screened thighsreflecting the … [Read more...]

Based on "Still life," by Camille Dungy The still life painting of my life right nowhas a bunch of fragrant, colorful flowers, overflowing a simple, large-bottomed pitcherused as a vase. There are petals fallen to the table beneath, sprinkled on a common still-lifebowl of … [Read more...]

Based on "Talking To Ourselves" by Phillip Schultz I acted as if I was talking to myself, but I knew he could hear me. Passive-aggressively conversing with him, while not actually talking to him. I spoke loud enough under my breath that he might not even catch every … [Read more...]

Based on "The Things," by Donald Hall The package arrived on a Saturday An odd-shaped box, tall, vertical I reached down inside to find an odd mix of things she didn't want anymore, but didn't want to throw away. I had asked for that eagle that used to hang over our … [Read more...]