Fiction Friday — When her phone rang at 3:33 a.m., she jerked upright and answered. “You picked up on the first ring.” The young woman’s voice drawled soft, unabashed marveling. It wasn’t as if she were sleeping. Sleep was too dangerous. …

What they got was even better — On Sundays in Lambert Township, Congers Street restaurants take it easy. Naturally, they want to uphold their reputation as the ultimate in destination dining. However, they also need to take a break from the night before. Their town’s Saturday nights challenge even the most accomplished to thrive and survive. …

Don’t change to make me happy — You’re the contradiction in terms: a woman growing More beautiful with every passing year, Not fading nor chasing nor yearning for more Than this life, this garden of roses with dogs Plunging into pool and emerging soaking wet, Dousing you with sparkling, playful joy. There are crow’s feet, laugh lines…

Let me listen to you — When no one seemed to listen to you, You mumbled and hummed fantasies While building bright brick Babel towers Aching toward the sky with tiny flag on top, Completing that dream to start another Effortless and nimble dreamer devising Her own happy resolution of chaos crumbs. Words were unreliable, slippery…

Creativity refuses to surrender — Before we were born into this world, We wandered the stars, paused journey For the interesting, intriguing, and sparkly That pleased us best before continuing on To this terrible, changeable place where Reality feels so solid, so unreasonably stable To star wanderers stumbling in earthbound shoes. Some of us cannot…

Old man returns to his twenties — “Will she be there?” Andy squinted at the morning nurse. Mae pressed the big red button. She watched him blink at dawn while the recliner glided upright. “Nice and easy, Mr. Carmichael.” Mae held his hand, grasping his arm as the chair inclined forward. “I need my walker,” Andy’s trembling…

Seasons Changing Remind Her — She wore love loosely around her shoulders, A purple velvet cape that dropped to the ground Forgotten until it was too late to rescue From dark, cold nights with damp, milky moon Gazing pitiless at little girl perplexed by school Wasting her time and telling her she’s wrong To remember another time and place Where love…

You don’t know what to say — You expected to be forgotten, Acing your life’s study of being invisible, Easily overlooked, especially when trouble Raised its messy head, licked its chops, And searched for fresh blood. The wild-haired plant lady at the nursery Did not forget you liked orange flowers best, But not smelly ones that make you sneeze, Called…

Writing Prompt — On the Road to Spring — This spring is wide-eyed, big-hearted puppy Hurtling for cold waves foaming a seduction Impossible for unthinking and eager plunge Into unknowable, shifting sands disappearing Underfoot requiring immediate action By one who didn’t learn, but always knew How to swim and emerge with sopping grin. Spring’s eager puppy licks my face…