The Las Cruces bowling alley massacre occurred in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on February 10, 1990. Seven people were shot, four fatally, by two unidentified robbers at the Las Cruces Bowling Alley. I write about this because I just saw a rerun of Unsolved Mysteries, which featured the story. The gunmen ordered the women and…

His anger boils over in rage. How can she do this at this stage? She gets the house, the car, He’s left wishing on his lonely star. He works two, three, four jobs To pay Peter, who robs Paul. She works once, time, and again Refusing to flex, refusing to bend. Mow the lawn every…

He carries her picture in his wallet Lest her face, he should forget From time to time, he’ll pull it out Recall what love was all about. What was there, is suddenly gone Like sunshine, dusk to dawn And he doesn’t know what he did What was wrong, how he slid. Jus’ a former shadow…

Those around him have said again, “Well, if you had not screwed around.” He thinks, “Screwed around? But when?” That they think this brings him down. No wonder his wife thinks the same way! If his coworkers have concluded this The thoughts and their words lead to dismay It’s goodbye to marriage with a sudden…

The last thing he wants to be angry The woman, his wife, whom he loves But with every twist, turn, and emotions betray Realizing the destructive outcome. Why will she not talk about her feeling? It leaves him lost, alone in a dense fog, Where do broken hearts begin healing? The silence is distractive and…

Night-time comes, and I grow afraid. Worry climbs into bed like a lover. To get away, he would gladly trade Every ounce of energy he has. It pushes its way against the skin, Making itself comfortable next to him, Sleeping where once love had been, Crowding for the comfort of the mattress. Soon self-doubt climbs…

There is little more room than a cell, Personal purgatory, a heartbreak hell. Night has fallen just beyond the door, Daylight gone, evening sun no more. The bare-naked bulb casts a shadow, Beating down a figure beyond its glow. His long-form, a hulk of unhappiness, Stirs in the area where he must dress. Personal effects…

He vowed to remain positive all day, Not counting on seeing her eyes that way. They spoke in gentle tones in the parking lot, No harsh words, for they never have fought. Each one unwilling to take that first Step, the one that is clumsy, the worst. They dance around each other’s careful space. Keeping…

What if the Lord has answered me, Given the message to set me free, And I am too busy pleading to hear it? Maybe I need to learn how to be quiet. Prayers, not only for personal forgiveness, But also for those who bear false witness, Those who have helped me in my time of…

Clear the head, the heart, and the soul During the long hour drive in. Rinse away the palate that is full, Ask for forgiveness for daily sins. Wandering mind and busy eye, Focus is lost on the desert scene. Where does the emotional self-fly, Logic lost, what does it mean? Parts fragmented in private conversation,…