She thinks of the ending of Back to the Future, where Marty’s dad is suddenly cool and fashionable, because Marty’s time traveling has improved the course of the past, so the teenage version of his father, McFly, stood up to the bully instead of capitulating to him. Gretchen wonders what version of herself would now be chopping Brussels sprouts in half.… Continue Reading
Father Manchette took a yardstick across my ass in front of the entire class. Sister Agnes poked my arms until little bubbles of blood popped up from my skin. “The deeds you do may be the only sermon people will hear today.” I repeated those words walking up and down Dorchester Avenue until Jesus unzipped the sky and turned on the lights.… Continue Reading
I’ve always been drawn to people who were a little banged up, a little wobbly on their feet. I think, most likely, because I’ve always felt that way. I’ve always been balancing on the edge of trying and giving up. Keeping my shit together or destructing.… Continue Reading
When my therapist said you were a terrible father, you flared up, almost cascaded out of my mouth.… Continue Reading
countless bulbous eyes will judge you eating in front of the television. you’ll drift off spooning baggies of failures, wishing that you’ll wake to warm skin hugging you back.… Continue Reading
Curt Schilling had bled through his sock, Michael Jordan had battled through the flu, Kerri Strug had stuck it to the Russians on a bum ankle. If Sam sincerely aspired to have his moisture-wicking quarter-zip hung in the proverbial rafters, he would have to overcome adversity.… Continue Reading
It was the Mesopotamian period of divorce; everyone’s parents were doing it.… Continue Reading
People think I killed my octogenarian dad on Father’s Day, but that’s not true. It was the day after. In my dreams.… Continue Reading
In the twilight years, familiar lights grow dim. But are there others that might also flicker on?… Continue Reading
Light snow was still falling, making the scene from the window look like a Christmas card as he stood there crying. She had always been just a pillow away, connected and separated by a million good and bad intangibles between them.… Continue Reading