One of my few accomplishments during the quarantining last year (besides an epic four part poem about dust, and five poems about national park grief) involved creating a Halloween costume, buying all the parts, fitting it into a perfect storage container, and even labelling it. Then I put it in my closet, the quarantine never … Continue reading Perfection’s Rough Draft
Bodie
Bodie’s Farewell Part IV: Dusty Trails
Part I Part II Part III Unemployed; in dread of the poorhouse; Bodie applied Far and wide. Umpteen appeals, the sole reply—denied. Schoolhouse, Cain House, Hotels (near the Shell), and dozens more. One sample: “Cleanliness and Godliness aren’t at war.” Seeking absolution, Bodie held fast long past Lent Yet in the end, moths and rust … Continue reading Bodie’s Farewell Part IV: Dusty Trails
Bodie’s Farewell Part III: Easter Released Her
Part I Part II "To what end" would she renounce dust? Bodie cried, "For good!" Setting course by the very source she'd misunderstood. Even supporters, in private quarters, heaved a sigh. 40 days passed. "Still abstaining?" they asked. "Yes. Why?" "Easter is over," some wailed, others hissed. Her defense: "Repent, then relent? Return to what … Continue reading Bodie’s Farewell Part III: Easter Released Her
Muppet Test
My co-workers were adamant I take the "Which Muppet Are You?" online survey. They thought I would be Beaker. Here are my results: You got: Beaker You're the strong silent type. You're easily stressed and you're a bit clumsy, but you take your work very seriously. Translation: "Meep meep meep meep meep. Meep meep meep … Continue reading Muppet Test
Bodie’s Farewell Part II: Heart Before the Course
Ophelia Bodelia listened how most people do — In spurts. Thoughts wandered; although, words and phrases did too. So charming, in a young child, this "hearing" in reverse. "Hearing" turned to "thinking"? Less a blessing, more a curse. Bodie's Pa urged her, "Always mean everything you say." She confused the order: said things first, meant … Continue reading Bodie’s Farewell Part II: Heart Before the Course
Bodie’s Farewell Part I: Ashes on Her Lashes
Ophelia Bodelia ("Bodie" to all her friends) Knelt in the dusty church pew, thinking about amends. Greatly burdened, she bowed her head and started to pray, Please forgive me Lord for... those things I'd rather not say. That Ash Wednesday, her forehead marked with a cross of soot, Fighting a sneeze, with tingling knees and … Continue reading Bodie’s Farewell Part I: Ashes on Her Lashes
Campfire Tales 