Reverie

There are many realities. Dreams are one of them. Fantasies are another. I sit here looking at an empty bed and I wonder. “Will she and I ever occupy this space together? Will all the combinations of great locks upon time and space and other lives give way and open for this time and this…

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Beauty and the Beast

“It’s taken,” she said. “What is?” he asked. “The title,” she said. “It’s been taken.” “I don’t care,” he said. “What do you think?” “I think you better ask yourself if that’s the smartest idea you ever had before you go asking me.” She stood at the bar, a very over the hill woman with…

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The DDD

DDD originally meant Dead Dead Dead. I dwelt on defeat, depression and despair. Those made me sick. I determined DDD must stand for any three better words beginning with the same letter in any order. It’s my choice.   Dignified   At the senior prom I took wine, a red rose and two stemmed glasses from…

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Recitative

Recitative

This piece is introduction to The Shady Grove, based on my experience as a resident of the trailer park by the same name in Van Nuys, California. I lived with the gypsies. I fought with the Philistines. I lived with them three years, seven months and twenty-eight days. They taught me a lot. John

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The Homeward Angels

In which the hero Delbert Bonner college age drops out to hitch hike across America with his friend Alexander Carmichael in the 1960s. To Hell with Life on the Mississippi.

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Lady Victoria

The Shady Grove

It’s a wonderful place to live, but if you’re not poor they won’t let you in. JEF   Happy Ending Our wedding took place on a brilliant day in May beside the statue of a black angel I bought for the table outside my Southern California door where the weather is perfect. There’s another memento from that time,…

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