We live in a rural area with lots of farms, and many farm ghosts. Evidence of where a house once lived. Old pump houses standing alone. A garage by itself. A tattered swing hanging from the limb of a dead tree. Crumbled barns make me sad. I think of the families who worked terribly long …
Month: July 2022
Driving on the Grass
I loved riding my bike on grass paths. The pedal highway created by kids rolling through a field to our destination. In an instant I was in a world of adventure, gliding over short hills and dips. In worn spots I looked back to see if I was leaving a swirl of dust. A kid …
A Little Friendly Family Competition
My sports skills are legendary. I'm a little embarrassed to say it, but not enough not to. I hit balls in play exactly two times in three years of playing baseball. One was a pop-up the second baseman caught. The second was a grounder the first baseman easily grabbed and stepped on the bag. Foul …
Who Stole My Golden Arm?
Four boys slept in the same room. My bed was a piece of foam between the bed and the wall. It was cozy, and I was protected from the visiting ghosts. Each night after the lights went out, a figure stepped into the room and spoke a terrifying tale. There was once a man who …
Uncle Bob’s Combine
Uncle Bob was a nice man. Unfortunately, he lost his battle with heart disease in 1980. He had rosy cheeks but not from drinking. He laughed often but not loudly. He seemed to have a permanent smile but that probably isn’t true. Nobody has a permanent smile. Uncle Bob worked in a car plant near …
I Wonder About Stuff
I wonder if kids still get excited about going to stay for a few days at their aunt and uncle’s farm. I wonder if they like the smell of manure. I wonder if they recognize the scent of freshly cut hay. I wonder if kids still build tunnels in the hay mow. I wonder why …
A Coffee State of Mind 