The mosquitos keep biting. They move as fast as flies these days. Rainfall from the showers brought by the recent tropical storms must have been good for them. Not so much for me. Three days back in the classroom. Many wear their masks correctly. Some slip their noses free or take too long reapplying them…

Why should the eighth month not bear my name? Did I not bring peace to the Empire? Is not my reign the inauguration of the Pax Romana? Did I not expand our territory while maintaining the peace? Oh, but some of you cry, “Republic!” Others whisper, “Tyrant!” Is it the Republic you desire? Would that…

There is a story. It eludes my grasp. When I work to shape it’s contours, it soars beyond me. birdsongs the rival for territory continues There is a story. It teases and hints at being told. When I reach for its structure, it crouches back into shadows. traffic drone another cicada sounds off There is…

Lush flora, bathing Eden’s morning air in a delicate aromal song. Dafodils, rhododendrums, a kaleidescope of perennials and annuals: a blissful variety tantalizing sight and smell alike! And yet amidst perfection, an offered temptation to take what is not given. A temptation yielded to, with that all too familiar sense of entitlement, that pride, urging…

The canopy of maple leaves bathes in sunlight on the Summer Solstice. Still for a moment, the legion of leaves ripple lie a stadium crowd doing the wave. Despite the abundance of daylight left on this longest of days, afternoon shadows creep across the front yard. The street already basks in the shade. I’ve spent…