Saturday Morning

I'll never forget what you told me-- it's stronger to wear our hearts on our sleeve than not. Say and show how we feel, cause if not, what else is there? Such is love - never practical yet the only purpose. It was you my love, who showed me how to open my heart and face my fears. No more hiding in shadows. No more bitter tears. Letting go of the past. I gave myself a brand new start. Fumbling through the dark was the hardest part. Now, I see and through these deep waters. We have a found treasure. Two of a kind, me and you. Like midnight rain we saw it through til dawn. Holding each other at last.

The Ladies Room

She blew in like a quiet storm; each step hurried but hesitant as if calculating her next. Her lanky frame seemed to droop like a weeping-willow as she shifted past. Suddenly she stopped dead in her tracks. Instinctively I turned toward her as she studied me over like a wounded, stray cat sensing a kind stranger. Our eyes met and I got a glimpse into hell. She was sophisticated but undone as the night's spirits danced on the tip of her tongue. Baby blue eyes set evenly faceted, deep and desperate; complimenting aging fair skin and conservative bleach blond hair. A white blouse and delicate necklace fashioned her neck. Holding handbag under elbow; long, bony fingers bent over the burlap. I sensed a lost soul and prepared to show my moral compass....I too have been down that dark alley. Unabashed the lady looked at me square. Her rich fiancé cheats - a narcissistic whore fat on pride…his version of love…a dish served cold. “…told me he will continue his affair...he’s probably with her now, she lamented...but loves me first and wants to marry me…should I…we’re engaged to be married?” I blinked and like a hush all to be heard was the rush of tap water from the nearby faucet; as a lone third party hunched over the sink, coyly washing her hands trying to mimic irrelevance [in contrast] though listening intently as I began to speak. I happened to see the lady after leaving the restaurant that night. I sat at the red light watching her ghostly figure cross the busy intersection. She was heading back to her hotel. 

Cliché.

Author Kirk Nesset Brings Alphabet World to JTCC

I had the pleasure of meeting Author, Poet, Professor and Translator Kirk Nesset (along with his lovable side-kick Ryan) at John Tyler Community College's 16th Annual Literary Festival.  He is the author of fiction short stories, Mr. Agreeable and Paradise Road including several other notable publications.  Nesset read excerpts from his book of translations, Alphabet of the World: Selected Works by Eugenio Montejopoems.  My personal favorite was a cogent and suspenseful, flash fiction story based on the late, famous violinist Niccolo Paganini.  Nesset closed the afternoon conducting an intimate Writing Workshop where he along with students, fellow writers and enthusiasts read, analyzed and discussed flash fiction stories written by authors Mitch Berman, Natalia Rachel Singer, and Spencer Holst. Finally, attendees were introduced to an exercise where Nesset challenged us to write a flash fiction story utilizing one or more of the exercises as inspiration and technique. Overall, it was an engaging and educational afternoon that highlighted the school's commitment to higher education. For more information on Kirk Nesset, visit the author's official website at www.kirknesset.com. 

The author's next reading will be at the College English Association Conference in St. Petersburg, FL - April 1, 2011 (time TBA).