Jesus Feigns Nothing

As an 8th grade novitiate to speech and debate, I watch the team’s 9th grade apotheosis practice her oratory. Her delivery is impeccable, sans pause verbal or not. I am mildly surprised to learn after the weekend tournament that she placed only second. I am downright...

The Noise Which Distracts

We borrowed a dog. He needed a place to be for a while, and we could do it, so we did. As it turns out, he is two dogs in a single, small, short-legged, black-coated, old-man-faced package. One of his personalities is proof that humankind has kept canine companionship...

To Big Bend I Go

In the night’s sky I find the world’s best horizon toward the eternal: imponderable distances, imperturbable powers, nonpareil beauty; hours observing feel like minutes. For months I have planned and prepared to celebrate my 58th birthday with a week under clear,...

Something Is in the Air

My sense of smell is somewhat compromised, likely a side-effect either of a severe nasal problem during my childhood or the constant use of 1970s sprays, ointments, and other medications to treat it. Some scents seem unaffected: strawberries and such, thank heaven;...

The Attention It Deserves

In the past week, about 1,800 miles of pavement make its way under my truck’s wheels. The ubiquitous white stripes beloved by would-be passers flash staccato disruptions in my peripheral vision practically every part of every longitudinal mile—from Dallas to Oklahoma...