幼稚園 a red backpack bigger than you 一年生 gap-toothed smile and mismatched socks 二年生 an uncaged bird on wheels, not wings 三級 knowing the ropes brother in tow 四年生 torn shirt and wounded heart 五年生 solid as a tree with deep roots
Summer break
Today was the last day of school. It feels a little anticlimactic: the kids still had online lessons to complete, classwork to turn in. My older son graduated from 5th grade a week ago with a car parade past the school, 24 teachers and staff members (the maximum allowed) standing a careful six feet apart … Continue reading Summer break
In my father’s garden
Something moved in the shadows. I held my breath. An hour past midnight on new moon night, read the unsigned note. Bring no lamp. It was a risk: death for you, censure for me—and a lifetime of mourning. “Come.” Your voice floated from the darkness. I shouldered my pack, and we ran. Featured image by … Continue reading In my father’s garden
Letter to a skeptic living 50 years from now
Most likely, you think we commercialized love...
Harbingers
The lilac is about to bloom. My yard is a mess. The lawn is mostly crabgrass and clover, with a few dozen hyacinths that have escaped the confines of their beds. The dandelions will rear their heads later. The patio furniture is covered in yellow pollen—not that we have a patio, exactly, just a flat … Continue reading Harbingers
