The Office

When I worked downtown at my dad’s office, I saw my dad’s secret life. I saw that the people who worked for him thought he was fair, and solid, and a little crazy, all of which I knew was true. I was sixteen, and I did everything I could to show them I was a […]

Have Seen, Will See

America, June 2017, in the nave of the church from 1702, a mural of the gospel being preached to successive groups: gentiles, who look suspiciously white, Asians (an Indian woman, a Japanese woman), Africans with breasts in the fresh air, and finally Native Americans, who wear their babies on their backs and cover their breasts. […]

Intersection

On the opposite corner, four guys guard the liquor store with their leisure. That is their leisure and this is mine: a paperback book I bought, the first I’ve bought in ages. I took a pay cut, and stopped buying books. On one corner I have a green bottle of water, two clear glasses, coffee […]

Q & A

“Do you prefer Mozart or Bach?” he asked between algebra problems. “Have you ever been in love?” he asked as we walked to the cafeteria. “Oh, sure,” I said. We were working in a basement office. “Mozart,” I said. “Why?” “Mozart is more romantic,” I said. “It sucks,” he said. “Being in love.” We crossed […]