After a long meeting that followed a longer day, Susan P. and I approach Mr. J. He says that our program is “out of compliance.” He won’t say how he knows, just that I should know. I check my anger multiple times as he double-talks—and insults—me. After the […]
There are fresh mouse turds near my workstation, beside piles of excess papers next to Jaimie’s former workstation. We found out that she took a position at Briarcliff schools last Friday. Jaimie had urged me to join Astor after she left Columbus. Now, she’s gone, and I remain. […]
Waiting for rain that hasn’t come. Above the passing cumulus clouds, a prop plane. The gentlest tremble of maple leaves in a breeze too light to stir the wind chime. Mira reads. Frankie, too—or he’s sneaking more TV. Inside. In the air-conditioning. While we sweat on the deck […]
August 31st Louis’ steaks cook perfectly. I see the pink interior of the half of one that I fork onto my plate. The juices fill my mouth as I close lips around that first tender bite. Feijoada, rice and beans, fresh salad, chicken legs and pork ribs round […]
August 29th We pass the peach and apple groves as we make our way across the Boscobel estate. Locate an ideal spot upon which to picnic on which on the great lawn overlooking the Hudson, its nearby estuary, and West Point. Soon, we’re devouring cheddar, goat and dill […]
Husband, Father, Writer, Teacher. American Haijin. Because Haikai matters!
Frank J. Tassone 