Fellow blogonaut ‘Raynotbradbury,’ offered a challenge to write about fear. I selected athazagoraphobia, the fear of being forgotten. Dry bones that dream, Rot in winter’s moon, The summer’s baking sun, Forgotten. Dry bones that dream, Torn apart by wild things, Tooth and claw scatters, Forgotten. Dry bones that dream, Lay wasting in the land, Wait…

The woman on the yoga mat called to me, “Help me. I’m stuck.’ She was on her left side, left hand holding her right foot, left leg drawn to her chest, threaded over her right leg. Despite this, she was very calm. “What’s the matter?” “I can’t get out of it.” “What can I do?”…

It began at 2116 hours, Independence Day evening. The sun was no longer in the sky, though it’s glow was still slightly visible beyond the western hillside. That’s when the first staccato discharge from a firearm echoed across the landscape. It touched off the ensuing explosions of further gunfire, M-80s, Lady Fingers, Whistlers and Bottle…

“No,” Trevor answered, “the movie hasn’t started and I’m turning my phone off when it does.” He listened before responding, “The company has it covered.” The man sitting five rows in front of Trevor cocked his head slightly. He wanted to hear this conversation. “Only one shot is all that’s needed and it’s been prearranged.”…

Mom loved her garden boots, which she had for years. ‘I don’t need new ones. A little duct-tape and they’re good as new.’ She named them ‘Jack and Jill,’ consulting them about what to plant where, who to dig up there. When in better health, she could be found traipsing through her flower beds. I…

He was feeling rather strange that day. More needy and very nostalgic. He didn’t enjoy the mood, couldn’t enjoy it. Pragmatism does not like life in the past. He struggled at his desk, computer’s bright light compounding his every shadow. Lines and wrinkles of wasted youth, turned ancient. He wanted to talk to his parents,…

“I’ve got pretty good gay-dar,” I told my friend of a few years after he decided to come out to me. Shocked that I wasn’t surprised, “Well, why didn’t you say anything if you already knew?” “Not my business. I figured you’d say something when you were ready.” That’s how I ended up at the…

All she said was, “If you’re moving, leave your politics behind.” He accused her of using a broad brush, lumping everyone one into one category. But she didn’t. Had she done so, she would have said, “All professors and academics are Socialists.” He was one.

Based on J.B. Priestly’s 1945 play, “An Inspector Calls.” “Grandma,” seven-year-old Edie Croft shouted as she walked from the front door. “There’s a police man who wants to talk to you.” Sybil Birling stepped in from outside where the family had gathered around the barbecue grill and picnic table to celebrate her nomination to the…

Ollie hadn’t been at the dog park in days. “So where have you been?” Spot asked. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” “Try us,” Blackie countered. Coco chimed in, “Yeah, try us, Ollie.” “Okay, but you ain’t gonna believe me.” “Come on, it can’t be that bad,” Max encouraged. “Well, okay, the last…