Red's Wrap
Happiness. It's relative.
Category: Writing
Greedy
Winding around the cochlea, stretching to the auditory nerve, coiling in the middle ear, nesting slyly behind the ear drum, Beast’s eyes close while he waits patiently to devour all the beautiful words. _____________________ Written in response to a Trifecta Writing Challenge: 33 words… Continue Reading “Greedy”
Tears for the Past
There is a passage in the memoir, Twelve Years A Slave, published in 1853, in which Solomon Northup, then known as the slave Platt, is handed a whip by his master and ordered to flog his friend Patsey, who is tied, naked and spread-eagle… Continue Reading “Tears for the Past”
The Four-Way Stop
The four-way stop is an emblem of civilization. With no one directing traffic and no lights to guide, drivers at the four corners take their turns. A properly functioning four-way stops operates as seamlessly as a roundabout filled with skilled, experienced drivers. It’s orderly… Continue Reading “The Four-Way Stop”
And It’s Not Pretend
I fear my world getting smaller, the width of a bed, perhaps, and having strange people decide for me what makes me happy and what I think and what my real name is. _____________________ Written in response to a Trifecta Writing Challenge: 33 words… Continue Reading “And It’s Not Pretend”
Slumber Party
Racism pounces on you. You try to beat it back but it’s there. A story. A long time ago, my daughter, who was then 12 years old, accepted a slumber party invitation from a classmate. My daughter was white, her classmate black. Several girls… Continue Reading “Slumber Party”
40 Years in the Desert
I grew up in a praise desert. My people, my folks, aunts, uncles, grandparents, didn’t indulge in compliments or praise. I wouldn’t say they never praised anyone; it was just a rare, rare thing like that flower that only blooms once every ten years.… Continue Reading “40 Years in the Desert”
Walking with Scout
Tonight after Master’s swimming practice at a local high school, my friend and I walked down the street to my car. It was dark with only the light from the streetlamps, leaves covered the sidewalk so there was that scuffing sound walking through them.… Continue Reading “Walking with Scout”
At Last
It had taken years to find him but when she did, she settled in carefully, bought new pillows and a matching comforter, then curled up to watch his nightly prancing and smiling threats. ______________________________ Written in response to a Trifecta Writing Challenge: 33 words… Continue Reading “At Last”
T-Man and Me at the Salon
The young woman at the nail salon looked like a pregnant Olive Oyl, as thin as sticks with a close to full term baby belly. Olive wore a surgical mask which seemed to me to be overdressing for the task at hand. What was… Continue Reading “T-Man and Me at the Salon”
Snow Door | wisconsinacademy.org
Listen to Jan read her essay “Billy” presented on WUWM’s Lake Effect
Jan’s essay “At the Breakfast Bar” on WUWM Lake Effect
Jan’s essay “The Parish Hall,” on WUWM Lake Effect
“Fury Cannot Touch Me,” Modern Love, NYT, 9/29/11
Recent Comments