There's a weird paradox I deal with as a parent, that nobody ever told me I would need to think about. And yet, I do constantly. It literally comes up every day. Sometimes multiple times a day. In a nutshell, it's this: I've realized that while my main goal as a (hopefully) good parent is … Continue reading The Pop-Tart Dilemma
A Birthday Poem
Written for my brother, Ethan, on his 18th birthday Today is your birthday, oh yes, it's today! Celebrate in the most wonderful way. But first, with some jokes and a few sly Seuss-isms, allow me to guide you through Adult-World Prisms. You can legally vote now, and go off to war - but that is … Continue reading A Birthday Poem
One and Two
One and Two I was one, and you were two. I was not me, but lost in you. But you were you and could still be yourself without being lost in me. It takes two ones to make up two, and I did all I could for you. I cared so much, I couldn’t see … Continue reading One and Two
The Day My Grandmother Died
The day my grandmother died,the world didn’t stop turning. Clocks didn’t stopas she inched toward death, helped along by morphine.It took almost three days.Her children, those living,sat in a vigil by her bedside,and said prayers.It’s too much,my father cried – too much, all within six weeks. He cried, while stroking her hair.telling her it was okay to let … Continue reading The Day My Grandmother Died
Ode to Coffee
O Brewing Cup! Thou dost renew mine spirits wavering. Cheers for Caffeine – Thou art so true to mine heart quavering. When Thou art ever by my side amid the frosty morn, my skepticism is belied and faith in Thee reborn! O Mocha Hot, and ever rich O Latte, smooth and mild. Columbian! Good for … Continue reading Ode to Coffee
Kismet
Well I didn’t expect this.It’s like: the first whiff of fresh-baked bread. Or the smell of spring in the morning through an open bedroom window. I didn’t expect this.the surprise/appreciation/delightof your gift – all the betterbecause it was unlooked-for. It fit. It fit perfectly, as if someone had me in in mind (and of course…you did).And now I wonder what will make … Continue reading Kismet
Stunted
Slow and steady suffocation - Pressure built since her gestation, (solid, squat configuration) Tired of domestication – so she tries inebriation. Give the slightest indication, she will try for liberation. But, in spite of her frustration (run from supposed degradation) the unknown of novelization threatens all anticipation. And so, to supreme irritation, - almost like … Continue reading Stunted
Snowfall
Little girl with the jet-black hair, with the white skin and red lips (a veritable Snow White) - with a wicked sense of humor, and dark irony behind all your couth phrases. Little girl with the tiny porcelain figure, little girl in your glass castle high on a hill. And your stark livelihood, subsisting solely … Continue reading Snowfall
The Best Gift for College
Below is a letter I wrote to my cousin's daughter to explain why I was not a totally out-of-touch nerd to give her a copy of Pride and Prejudice as a college going-away gift (even though, I really am a totally out-of-touch nerd). Dear Stacee, Before you roll your eyes and prepare a polite smile … Continue reading The Best Gift for College
Malvolio & Shylock: Shakespeare’s “Problem Characters”
The below paper written in 2007 is submitted as proof that I did, at one point, write more than snarky social media posts. In Shakespeare’s two comedies, The Merchant of Venice and Twelfth Night, there are many similarities including improbable romances, cross-dressing women, and bumbling fools. However, the most interesting element that these two plays … Continue reading Malvolio & Shylock: Shakespeare’s “Problem Characters”
Pocket Sized 