The loa of animosity ride down through the streets, looking for furious horses but finding only bitter sheep. So what do we expect when they drive us to the edge of the cliff, in front of the bus, to that drawer under the sink, to the shoebox on the closet shelf, to the fireplace poker... Continue Reading →
Horror at 2½ Feet
Working in cafés can be wonderful. A clean, well-lighted place with good coffee and relative quiet can be inexpressibly fantastic. I’ve made the rent and written books in cafés. On the other hand, close proximity to others under the influence of caffeine can reveal a certain darkness in the human condition that would otherwise be... Continue Reading →
On the Creation of Time
When I was in graduate school (for 12 years altogether--what was I thinking?), I had a rigid uncompromising attitude toward my own deadlines. I had to meet them, even if it meant allowing the rest of my life to collapse. Not surprisingly, putting myself in this do-or-die frame of mind often resulted in exactly that:... Continue Reading →
A Meditation on the Inevitability of Death
To myself, regarding death: You are going to die. You may not like to think about it, but it’s going to happen. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe in 50 years. Who can say? That’s the bit you can’t know (thankfully). But you do know where you’re going to end up sooner or later. You do realize how... Continue Reading →
The Writing Expedition 