As the afternoon closes on four, the earlier clouds break apart. The brightest sunlight since Saturday bathes the west end of the deck. Tamarack leaves rustle in a passing breeze. Soon, Frankie will return. Then we’ll visit the farmers’ market in Jeffersonville before the family bonfire tonight. sedentary […]
Tightness in my throat. Remembering Mrs. Zengo’s confused disappointment. How hurt those brown eyes in that wrinkly forehead that creased with her frown. How sorry I felt—and unforgiven—until she realized I brought in an egg for another student’s recipe. I had overheard their conversation and mistakenly thought I […]
She serves from half-court. I return forearm. She backhands it over the net. I race into position and pivot, delivering the best backhand of our volley. Did she return it? Did I? Getting water later, I say, “We’ve progressed from terrible to rotten.” Tennis court bathed in sunlight […]
The Sterling Pond trail sharply ascends the forested slope of Sterling Mountain. The Smuggler’s caves, rest rooms and parking lot lie across Route 108, nestled beneath Mount Mansfield’s western ridge. Step-like stones lead to rocks, soil and roots. We breathe hard before the first straight-away. Finally, we make […]
Rain falls steady. I see the faint lines of its passage from my perch on the sofa. Classical music—a composition sounding suspiciously like circus music—plays on Vermont Public Radio. Three years with little rain: we had a good run. We therefore settle in for a cozy downtime, having […]
Husband, Father, Writer, Teacher. American Haijin. Because Haikai matters!
