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That window
open in the other room
unscreened, unshuttered
could be your escape
or could let the unwanted in
It's too high to jump to the ground
but you could lower yourself
by clinging to something
the windowsill
or the curtains
until your fingers
or the drapery fibers
give way
This high up
you are safe from
the most unwanted
but some invaders
birds, flying insects
spirits holy or unholy
still could make their way in
and find you
even in this other room
And so you wait
to see what will happen
before you make your choice
to remain and hope
or take the chance on that window
Forgetting
that there are is
another path:
The doorway behind you
and the stairway beyond
Fiction
The Gift of the Magpie
"I'm like a magpie," she told him when he first asked what she wanted for her birthday. "You know, those birds that collect shiny things? If it glitters, I'll like it." But he never seemed to understand that she meant it literally. Download the story
The Haunting of Angels Lakes
Local legend has it that Angels Lake is haunted by the ghost of a woman who committed suicide in the placid waters. Theatrical legend has it that Shakespeare’s Macbeth brings tragedy to any troupe that performs it. But that doesn’t a stop Roy and Eve Sheridan from choosing “The Scottish Play” as the inaugural offering when they turn their century-old family farm into a regional theater. Visit my Author Page and watch for free promotions.
Finishing it Off on Green Street
It was the late 1950s, a time when a man’s home was his castle and a woman was mainly the castle’s keeper. But on Green Street, some things were different. "Finishing it Off on Green Street" leads this collection of four short stories that explore relationships, problems, hopes, and a few fantasies. Visit my Author Page and watch for free promotions.
The Orphans of Avon
Five short stories highlight the lives of children during a life-changing summer, a divorced man's journey of discovery, a mother and daughter's memories of a long-ago train trip, a sheltered girl seeking to break away from her routine life, and a brother and sister hoping to end a lifetime of rivalry. Visit my Author Page and watch for free promotions.
Marilyn's Last Summer
Two young girls meet and bond in the days following the death of Marilyn Monroe in the novella that leads this collection. Four more stories explore life's big and little challenges...from facing domestic upheaval to choosing just the right birthday gift. Visit my Author Page and watch for free promotions.
The Unbearable Likeness of Bean
Four short stories take a light look at romantic meetings and mishaps. Available on Amazon kindle. Visit my Author Page and watch for free promotions.
The Riches of Crummy Street
"The Riches of Crummy Street" leads a trio of stories about friendships, problems, and secrets. Visit my Author Page and watch for free promotions.
The Luck of the One-Sixteenth Irish
A trio of short stories about luck, dreams, and the magic that can find its way into any life. Available on Amazon kindle. Visit my Author Page and watch for free promotions.