Squawking and banging came from outside. I walked to the back porch to investigate. A pair of chickens was scoping out in the carport. I grabbed a broom and chased them with it, and they scampered away, flapping frantically. It isn’t my first choice to live in the jungle, but I do. And, animals, which humans have brought from somewhere and let go wild … Continue reading keeping social distance
My first attempt at these contest-thingies went well, I think, thanks to the readers and followers of my blog and the members of my writing group. WOW Q4 2019 Creative Non-Fiction Essay Contest And, my story, “Dogs and a Pig.” Continue reading I won. I won. I WON…4th place!
Previously on part one, part two, and part three. “Go peepee now. Hurry.” I snapped at the dog. He glanced up at my direction, lifted his leg, and started to walk away. “No. I have to leave. Come on.” I jerked the leash and pulled him inside the gate. I filled their bowls with fresh water and grabbed the keys. “I’ll be back. … Continue reading a fire horse – part four
Previously on part one and part two. Since leaving the workforce for good, I had little money and plenty of time to spend. I looked for things I could do without seeing anyone, talking to anyone, or draining my meager fund and signed up for a free blog. When I woke up in the morning, I put a jacket and a cap on and … Continue reading a fire horse – part three
Previously on part one, and now… I stopped by at a new store in town, checked their exotic merchandise, and picked up the usual: cleaning products, a box of cereal, a carton of milk, and bottles of wine. As I wandered, looking for the way to the cashier, bright colored fabrics allured me to stop. I moved forward and touched a plastic case with … Continue reading a fire horse – part two
Birds chirped, and the damp air gave me a gentle pat. When I opened my eyes, the familiar off-white ceiling greeted me. The scent of my own sweat and the musty dogs wafted from the sheets and comforter that I was cocooned in. I missed fresh white linen in a hotel room, busy airports, and, of course, the paycheck and benefits. The two dogs … Continue reading a fire horse – part one
Continuing from seijin no hi – coming of age. ### It was a frosty night. I arrived at M’s house and met the familiar faces. “Just saw her two weeks ago…she seemed fine…” We huddled, comforting one another. Walking inside, through the white chrysanthemum arrangements, I approached the casket laid at the end of the room and faced M. She had make-up on and was … Continue reading seijin no hi – coming of age 2
What time is it? A ray of sunshine poked through a crack between the bedroom curtains. Locating the clock, my eyes widened. I’m late! Then, my head ticked and clicked. No, no. I’m not…I don’t have to go to work today… It was Monday, not my usual day off, Seijin no hi, a national holiday in Japan only for those of us who … Continue reading seijin no hi – coming of age
Continued from a love story – middle. We moved, once again. This time to a jungle house. I had to go away days at a time for work, and you wanted to get dogs to keep you company. “You know I’m afraid of dogs.” “But, I’m all by myself while you are gone…” “Your choice. Dogs or me.” You got two puppies. Two puppies … Continue reading a love story- beyond
Continued from a love story – beginning. “What’s the purpose of your visit to the United States?” “…Ah…traveling…” “What do you do?” “…Huh? I…traveling.” “No, no. Your occupation.” “…Occu…?” “What is your job?” “Ah…no job.” “Who’s paying for your trip, airfare, hotel, food…?” “Ah…me, me, before, worked, save money.” “You have once been in the country and are coming back in after…three months?” “…Ah, … Continue reading a love story – middle
What does nelkumi think? 