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. …

One cat, problem resolved — You buy an old house, you know it won’t be like the 1980s development houses where you grew up. And you like it that way. This old house has been lived in and loved for generations. Now it’s your turn to treasure plaster cracks, cranky appliances, and an eight-armed monster…

Breath Waits to Be Taken — Snow tangles feet lost in story of how things are supposed to be: Clear day with thumbs up forecast for fast, easy, efficient day Sleek satisfied with its own downplayed superiority to yesterday And never mind about tomorrow in case it never comes. Jaws drop at moody-blues dawn and eyes…

She weaves in another dimension — Her eyes are somber, deep brown jewels Shimmering soft or blazing fury barely banked From blasting yet another planet back to origin. Gloved hands clasp protection for one yet to arrive, Nameless until born, swaddled, and welcomed With ancient songs without words that beckon Understanding all have been waiting breathless For every single child born that…

He’ll show you what he wants — Today’s building block project was a space ship. Billy sorted his tiny blocks, snapped them together into rockets and engines and satellite launchers. He hummed the tuneless song he made from waking up to bedtime. Avril gazed out the window, wishing with all her heart for something, to break up…

If not, let’s meet now — I am that impetuous child running too fast Into places she does not know with giggles and glee, Realizing only when she is far down the path And out of sight that it might have been a good idea To wait on slow-moving big people chomping their words And tromping their feet rather…

Smiles yield great stories — The two men hunkered against cold dreary day threatening rain. As I walked past their card table with donation box, one man stepped forward with a smile and said hello. I smiled back, promised to see them on my way out of the market. Under my breath, I muttered mantra…

Want to make trouble? — I’m not proud of the wrong I’ve done — but I’m not sorry either. That’s the difference between us. All Casey sees is Mommy’s big red face hollering, calling us idiots, and asking the sky why she’s cursed with bad children. Me? I see Mommy’s tiny smile before she starts…

Choose what you want to believe — She is dreamy-eyed, hazy-brained artist Squinting at page taped to the wall by teacher With stained smock, weary cigarette-heavy sighs, Telling her to think hard about What she intends to paint, how she will express Twisty, tangled traces of ideas with color. Teacher will be outside for at least ten…