Litterbug

As he headed down McCarthy Mall to the faculty union meeting in Kuykendall Auditorium, Dr. Terry Hong saw a boy … More

The Odds

It’s been a year now since Kenneth stopped in to pay what he owed me.  Walking in after three tentative knocks, he produced … More

Hunger

I go to your funeral to witness who else is still aliveYou go because Someone may say something about you … More

Transformed to Tiklings tinikling

Now that we’re old enough at eight, I supposeWe learn the Filipino dance called TiniklingOur school is far ahead on … More

It’s Not My Story

“So, me and Hector was eating at Charles Wong’s Ice Cream and Saimin Shop.” That’s Hector and I.  And it’s were … More

In the End

I make sure to toss spilled salt over my shoulderBut I never can remember if it’s supposed to be the … More

A Searching of the Heart

I feel like a man whose memory functions glacier slow nowMy mind takes eons to piece together some semblance of … More

Love’s Mark

Your grave does look newNot just the polished markerI see the way the green grass spreads out behind itTo a … More

Saving the Singer

Any fear Kimo had of this being a trap evaporated instantly. Off he trotted toward the singing damsel in distress. … More

My Climb

So while I half dreamed of wandering around in what I can only describe as that shadowland of worry and … More

Hurting

But everyone disappears, no matter who loves them. — Dave Eggers At 69 his body rememberedThe punchingOne oneTwo one twoThree … More

On Wisconsin

Once upon a time, there was a little girl from the west side of Chicago, City of the Big Shoulders. … More

Who’s There?

The alarm went off. “Bella, what time is it?” “The time is 5:00 a.m., Delmar. You set your your alarm … More

What Counts

Do you know what’s easy to count? he thought. The number of people whose deaths were Covid-related.  Well, plus a few … More

Breathe

When I could bare to stand nakedYour eyes on me for a first timeI prayed for the bestCrossed my fingers … More

Dropped Call

Drive into the tunnel nowAll flesh drawn tighter than airAll around my chestBody stiff concrete lungsA deepest breath heldThe harder … More

I am not sentimental

Never have beenNor ever plan to beWon’t waste words on timeOr anything gone byThe delicate sensibilityFeelings first and wistfulNostalgiaA waste … More

Love Forgotten

Give away something dear sometimeTry this and perhaps you’ll not miss itReorder your brain, your heart to accept the absenceGladly … More

Addict

It began in early December,Just a brief 30 days or so ago,And already I know,As a 45-year smokerWho tried to … More

Love Match

Tonight a match togetherLet the game beginOur pasts have trainedUs for this momentOf truth we’re not afraidThe length of playDepends … More