The year of twenty twenty-one tested me as no other year has in a long time. It started with hope and positive thoughts but quickly slammed my family and me into a never-ending treadmill of trouble. You might think this is an article about my problems; in a way, it is, but it is more ...

Marilyn thumbs the cracked upholstery of the couch. She shifts her feet in the clogs she’s wearing. They’re awful things, these clogs. Even she thinks so. They’re not so bad as the rubber ones that were borne out of necessity for gardeners and then adopted by line cooks and babies, but they’re still homely. Hers ...

She caches her jewelry Cardboard tubes under her mattress Hidden from faces she can’t remember Haunting her with changed bedsheets While disembodied voices perched on telephone wires Check on her She gripes They’re stealing my things At the liar: Voice too old to be her daughter Sunday – no – Wednesday No How can it ...

As America waited for the ball drop in Times Square, I wondered what the next year would bring. As a child, I always eagerly awaited the arrival of Santa Claus. I was equally as excited to attend midnight mass with my grandparents after opening presents and listening to Italian Christmas carols. Sadly, this April, my ...

Your thoughts hold memories a time too far for mine to grasp Your heart is so full of wisdom experiences you openly share. Your eyes tell the stories both of joy and sorrow Your skin, a map of your life each line holding a memory buried in your soul. The cruelty of life has overtaken ...