Whenever our family got together, it was inevitable that we would sit and tell stories. We would gather in my grandparents’ adjoining kitchen and living room, tjinja on the floor to make room on the couches and chairs for our elders. Here at the heart of their warm and crowded house, no one would be […]
My great-great-grandfather came to visit us at the lake. This was unexpected because he died 110 years earlier. He spoke in a Mennonite brogue that featured sure-footed enunciation with short demanding sentences and syntax reminiscent of a buggy ride over frozen stubble. Clear eyes stared you down into the frost-blackened remains of a failed Turkey […]
I met an otter near the public boat launch. He was eating the remnants of a Wendy’s hamburger. As I approached, he shuffled around, giving me his back. I knew he wanted privacy but couldn’t help staring. “Excuse me,” he said. “May I help you?” “I’m sorry. It’s just…” “It’s just that you’ve never seen […]
The fact that Henry Armstrong was buried did not seem to him to prove that he was dead. He had always been a hard man to convince. That he really was buried, the testimony of his senses compelled him to admit. His posture — flat upon his back, with his hands crossed upon his stomach […]
“What are you doing?” Father asked. Billy removed the mirror from under his chin. “I’m imagining what the world would be like upside down,” Billy explained. “You’d have to lift your feet to walk through doorways.” “If gravity stopped, we’d all be dead,” Father said. “Nothing would keep us from flying right out into space, […]
I get into my car and am greeted by, “You’re looking good today Duke. I see that your blood pressure has improved and your pulse is a healthy 63.” “Yes and you too are looking good Carl. I see that you are freshly washed and lubed. Did you do that last night?” “Right, I was […]