Two Nighttime Tastes
I savor the flavor of the first bite of freshly grilled chicken. And yet, somehow, I simultaneously taste the plain slice of pizza that I ate over two hours ago. Autumn Night moistening my...
Author: Frank J. Tassone
Final Debrief
The air conditioner in his office is off, its faceplate still missing. No chairs, so Fran and I stand, answering his questions. Then he and I speak alone. No heated words, this time. No...
Another Conflicted Surrender?
It’s time to let YABC go. More than time. So why do I grasp it until I’m numb? rising light everything I let go has claw marks Photo by Steve Halama
An Unanticipated Argument
After a long meeting that followed a longer day, Susan P. and I approach Mr. J. He says that our program is “out of compliance.” He won’t say how he knows, just that I...
Unannounced Departure
There are fresh mouse turds near my workstation, beside piles of excess papers next to Jaimie’s former workstation. We found out that she took a position at Briarcliff schools last Friday. Jaimie had urged...
First Morning, School year ’14-15
Almost an hour later, the coffee maker still gurgles. Evening crickets slowly stop. Morning grasshoppers pick up. The sky brightens. Soon enough, I’m ready to shower. Another work year begins, yet I still sit...
Labor Day ‘14
Waiting for rain that hasn’t come. Above the passing cumulus clouds, a prop plane. The gentlest tremble of maple leaves in a breeze too light to stir the wind chime. Mira reads. Frankie, too—or...
’14 Summer Swansong (part 5)
August 31st Louis’ steaks cook perfectly. I see the pink interior of the half of one that I fork onto my plate. The juices fill my mouth as I close lips around that first...
’14 Summer Swansong (part 4)
August 29th We pass the peach and apple groves as we make our way across the Boscobel estate. Locate an ideal spot upon which to picnic on which on the great lawn overlooking the...
’14 Summer Swansong (part 3)
August 27th The water covers our ankles, and it’s still cold after a summer’s worth of sun. A few steps in, and waves crash against our knees. The undertow pulls and pulls. Frankie soon...
’14 Summer Swansong (part 2)
August 25th The car rattles up the first hill, reaches the top, then ever so slowly passes over it. Wheels thunder on iron rails, while screams arise from passengers, as it rushes down. Mira...
’14 Summer Swansong (part 1)
More than a week has passed. Out of a two-month summer vacation, two days remain. Impressions: last bitter taste of morning coffee cicada song August 23rd We take the mandatory photo at the Statue...
