A summer-camp counselor is responsible for putting on a play. The gym doors fling open, kids rush in, and trudging to the water fountain, Matt fills his bottle, careful not to touch the nozzle where every camp kid drooled, sneezed, or sucked on. He towels off, his wheezing slowing, the constriction easing but not lettingContinue reading ““Yellow Brick Road” – Substack”
Tag Archives: Substack
“Thick Blood” – Substack
A mother makes good on her wish. The next morning, while Delilah waits in the minivan, her words for Greg churn and cut through her. It’s not too late to change your mind. You wanted to go back then. The birdcage and the feather inside. Where we found them. Where they found us. When weContinue reading ““Thick Blood” – Substack”
“Raise the Dead” – Substack
A young father wrestles with his newborn’s baptism as the date approaches. The church Jamie has planned for Lena’s baptism is down there, and I have to remind myself it’s not about me, but about the things I once believed, and when that Sunday comes, it will ask me to wear a mask for aContinue reading ““Raise the Dead” – Substack”
“Confluence” – Substack
A sister struggling with PTSD requests something from her brother. She turns off the flashlight and fidgets with it like she’s saving it for other places. “The bear called the power company.” She turns for the fridge and downs a pitcher of purple liquid. “Those thunder cracks were so loud,” she says after gasping. “AndContinue reading ““Confluence” – Substack”
“Names of Horses” – Substack
On her birthday, a girl meets a horse for the first time. Her father nudges the drawing toward him, his face falling briefly sad, before smiling at her. He loosens his tie and sits next to her. “You should go. The horses want to see you. They’ve been waiting all day for you. I justContinue reading ““Names of Horses” – Substack”
Consolidating Social Media – “Bye!”
I am consolidating most of my social-media platforms (“Bye!”) and will no longer be posting updates and stories via Facebook. But I’d be tickled pink if you kept up with my work, which you can after joining my Substack newsletter. As a free subscriber, you’ll receive in your email inbox my newsletter and previews ofContinue reading “Consolidating Social Media – “Bye!””
Substack Sign-Up
Hey, you! Yes, you! I love sharing my stories short and long and updates on my Substack. My stories focus on Americans and American history and culture, but my interests in the Western humanist tradition; classical learning; and science also influence my work: curiosity, creativity, and clarity. Homo sum; humani nihil a me alienum puto.Continue reading “Substack Sign-Up”
“Skeleton Key” – Substack
A super receives an evening call from an elderly resident in need. “Anything else I can help you with?” I asked Mrs. Hix another time through her door.” “The annual spikes in rent. They smother us like clockwork.” “I know. I’m sorry, but that’s out of my hands.” “Then I’ll give you more. I needContinue reading ““Skeleton Key” – Substack”