The first time I realized I didn’t have the temperament to be a concert pianist, I was sitting in an enormous practice hall at San Diego State University with my teacher, Dr. Conrad. I was 16 years old. Eight years before that, through a serendipitous confluence of family connections, happenstance, and generosity on the part… Continue reading Player Piano
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Black Sky
A letter story after Bret Easton Ellis. The funeral was horrible. And you want me to say it wasn't. And I want that, too. But every time I lie, I feel worse. I don't blame you. What to do. Where to be. What we should have done. How it all might have been better. Or… Continue reading Black Sky
Disappear Here
I lead a mostly inward existence. The part that isn’t, my small public-facing side, is bound up with my art, with what I write and submit for publication. In this way, I’m constantly reinforcing and reiterating my identity, performing it. I have to do this. We all do if we expect to survive, immersed in… Continue reading Disappear Here
Impressions of Wales
A travel-blog post on my first impressions of Wales. Read it here: https://bkk-writing.blogspot.com/2019/08/impressions-of-wales.html
Sincerity
Recently, I had a moment where I thought someone couldn’t possibly be for real and I was about to use his face to sharpen my claws . . . and then he responded with disarming sincerity. It’s wonderful when that happens. Sincerity—not honesty but the good-faith attempt to be honest, which seems far more powerful… Continue reading Sincerity
My life, in brief.
When you are over-committed, say it with me: "The natural condition is one of insurmountable obstacles. But, strangely enough, it will all come out well." Repeat. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTQurAEmt64
The Precession of Symbols: Nocturnal Dance Steps, Speculation, and a Fish in the Moon
blue moon—n. 1. the second full moon occuring within a calendar month; 2. informal once in a blue moon: very rarely; almost never. "blue moon." Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition. HarperCollins Publishers. 31 Aug. 2012. Writing counter-interpolative communiques on the night of a blue moon, the Speculator must observe the same ancient… Continue reading The Precession of Symbols: Nocturnal Dance Steps, Speculation, and a Fish in the Moon
The Heat Death of a Wandering Star
A fortune teller in Northern California looked at my palm and said, “You’re going to lead an unnaturally long life.” Then she slid my money back across the table and added, “I feel bad for you.” This was in 2008 or 2009. My memory of the year is less distinct than the mournful expression on… Continue reading The Heat Death of a Wandering Star
Read my latest on Splice Today . . .
Read it here: https://www.splicetoday.com/writing/attacked-on-the-street