She stood in the field watching the horizon with wide eyes, mouth agape. The umbrella she had been holding overhead just moments before falls to the ground at her feet. Without a second thought, she grabs a fistful of her skirt and runs toward the plume of purple smoke rising in the sky. Her heart pounds in her chest as she wills her legs to move faster. The smoke looks like it’s coming from the v...

I didn’t know how I was going to do it, but I had to figure it out… I had made it this far. I had endured months of planning, I had rendered a million opinions, I had smiled and laughed and was there at every turn. I mean, that’s what a maid of honor is for, isn’t it?

My best friend Kelly is getting married today and I should be full of joy, but instead my heart is breaking. I’m standing here in...

“Leroy, have you seen my easel, that rickety old standing one I used to have?” My wife’s question floated down over the sounds of the program I am watching on tv. Technically I had heard her, but I didn’t register a word she had said. The television judge was about to hand down her ruling, after all, and I was listening intently to that.

“Leroy, did you hear me?” She insists on asking again when...

The door opened and the room filled with noise and activity. The tabby, who was curled up on the blanket draped over the couch cushion, turned her head and narrowed her eyes at the sun that stole it’s way into the room with the open door. Bothered by all the clamoring that now surrounded her, she stood up and arched her back in a deep stretch. She splayed her paws and dug her nails into the blanke...

To learn and not forget

To live without regret

To love and never lose

To have it all, but never choose

Eyes that see beauty all around

Ears that hear every joyous sound

Mouths that speak words that heal

Hands that help guide and feel

A home that you can share

A friend who is always there

A love that will never fade

A creation that can’t be unmade

Money that always grows on tr...

“I know you’re watching me,” I whisper as I gaze deeply into the mirror, desperately hoping to see something other than my own reflection and the room behind me. After a moment of intense study, I turn away, frustrated. It had been over a week since I’d seen her staring back at me.

Don’t ask me who “she” is because I don’t know. I’d spent far too many hours sitting in front of that mirror since i...

I floated under the water for a moment and let the smile widen on my face. It was almost too good to be true. I almost couldn’t believe it. I kick my feet and ease my way back up, turning my face to the warm sun as my face breaks the surface, the smile still lingering on my lips. As I open my eyes, a splash of water hits my face and a cackle of laughter hits my ears. I turn toward the sound and im...

The sun grew weary of seeing men squandering its light

And preferring instead the harsh glare of the false suns they find inside.

Choosing to bask in the lifeless artificial illumination they created

Or seeking dark, dusty corners in which they can hide.

The moon grew weary of men neglecting its quiet power

And turning a blind eye to its gentle guidance of the changing seasons.

Never seeing the m...

In these empty halls I dwell

Looking at pictures on the wall

Thinking about the stories I was told

And conversations I can’t clearly recall

I run my hands along the wallpaper

And consider all I’ve held in my hand

Things I was told to let go of

For reasons I’ll never understand

As I approach the door, I hesitate

Leaving makes me feel insecure

These halls are so familiar

I feel safe and somewhat...

A flip of cards

A roll of dice

Moving spaces

Trapping mice

Answer questions

Take a guess

Is it more

Or is it less

Build a city

Defend a tower

Defeat an army

Rise to power

Shuffle fast

Deal the hand

Look ahead

To where you’ll land

Spin the dial

Pop the bubble

Go to jail

On the double

Make some money

And spend it too

Was that a lie

Or was it true

Play a card

Reverse or skip

Have a kid

Or take a tr...