what a difference a decade makes

that’s right — it’s time to get the old passport renewed.
it’s visual proof that time has not stood still since 1997...

last days of summer —
patches of gray
in my five o’clock shadow

morning commute —
a middle-aged woman
keeps stepping on my shadow

lunar eclipse —
she’s forgotten
my name

moon almost full
a letter to my son
in Boot Camp

pink sky —
a telephone recording
asks for money

dog days —
I keep killing
the same mosquito

 

 

outdoor dining —
an adorable puppy
tied to a fence

 

 

photo by mmm
Portsmouth, NH

crowded train —
the conductor’s
tired apology

August chill —
a freight train
speeds by

it's not just for breakfast any more

photo by mmm, Portsmouth, NH

this beer's got my name on it...

photo by mmm, Portsmouth, NH

fatherly advice

I’ve just mailed off my first letter to my son the Marine. It reads, in part:

After a few days in basic training I thought it would be important to remind you that you are not a maggot. If your drill sergeant believes otherwise, remind him that maggots will outlive humans in the event of a nuclear strike.

If he follows my advise, his transition to civilian life should begin swiftly.

waking from a deep sleep —
the conductor collects
all remaining tickets

for Josiah

summer fog —
the recruiter’s shiny new car
pulls up to the house

thunder without rain —
she brushes her hair
as if nobody’s watching

gibbous moon —
an empty pint of ice cream
in the freezer

August —
the dog’s breath
against my leg

indirection

it’s still far too raw to the touch,
the squeal of brakes on a gridlocked highway,
a throbbing bass line a few cars back.
when I saw the intersection
I instinctively signaled,
dutifully followed every sign
and found myself
inescapably
lost.