ODE TO JOY There lies inside of us A pulley system of emotion. The first few notes of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy brings an initial effort by the double bass, A gentle, but massive pull passing over sheaves and pulleys; Grand enough to overcome the initial resistance. Next, cello and bassoon Multiply the effort … More Ode to Joy
Many years ago (1963) I was moonlighting as a bartender at the acey/deucey club on the submarine base in Groton, Connecticut. The club manager knew how easy it was to steal money on the job. He told me, “Don’t get greedy”. I didn’t and I held the job for a few years between patrols. Never … More General Michael Flynn
THE BIGGEST MAN IN ARKANSAS One of the most fun friends I ever had was Larry Luttrell. When we met it was instant get-along. I was a little older than he and Larry detected something inside me that made him feel safe. Larry was a large man. Although we were the same height at … More The Biggest Man in Arkansas
Today I read a fine letter on an Op-Ed page in a newspaper. The person stated the chaotic conditions of privilege and oppression present in our racist society seemed to be showing signs of waning. I agree with much of the sentiment and most of the logic carried by the article. I don’t, however, rest … More My Underprivileged Self
ALFRED WINS THE DAY Not long after arising and arranging himself in the large recliner with a cup of organic dark roast, Alfred was on the telephone to his attorney discussing the first of a dozen lawsuits. Alfred had properties in Boston that he was upgrading one at a time to gain an edge on … More Getting By
A repeat from 30 June 2014 All in one day It is Sunday the 29th of June, 2014 and Maine has been suffering through some of the best summer weather ever. Whenever someone mentions something nice, like the weather, around these parts the usual response it, “Yeah, but it won’t last”. Therefore, I use the … More NACRE PURFLING, ANTONIO STRADIVARI, JANINE JANSEN And NELSON MANDELA
AWARENESS In those first moments of day when I am the center of the universe still Waking from my bed, Outside, Sitting, Sipping the coffee deliciously waking and feeling the sun on my back, Warming me – almost returning me to sleep, My eye wanders to the left – the voice that guides my movements … More Good Morning!
QUIET LOVE RAIN OR SHINE After the Snow Drops and Crocuses and Siberian squill, Come the granddaddy Dandelions and Clouds, large and small, of Forget-Me-Nots and Bluets, Quietly, and without a sound, finally Come the white and blue Violets, How can I not feel loved? Gentle George 21 May 2020
On hold at City of Rocks State Park, New Mexico Fifteen minutes after I’d last spoken to a human voice, I began to estimate how many times I’d listened to this particularly horrible song on my battery-dwindling cell phone. I was on hold with a road assistance operator/representative for the company that provided such service … More Cultural and Structural Violence
I’ve been around long enough to be less and less knowledgeable regarding what goes on on a daily basis in our world. Lately, my eyes have been opened to newer and less recognizable activities and pastimes. The longer I’m around, the less I know what is going on. I believe that getting old is a … More Overwhelming, to Say the Least.
Playing Fair and Being Kind 