That my parents were Irish immigrants is probably the most significant factor in my writing life. The English expelled my father from Ireland around 1920 at age 18 or so for running gun...

You think he’d be more grateful. Neither rich nor poor he’s never wanted for anything. He’s always had what he needs but never had any gratitude

You thought you knew her. She thought she knew you. Neither was true but this happens at times at Happy Hour on Fridays

That’s a very big tree and a boy scout could climb it with all the right gear. But it’s a condominium, too. You would disturb families.

Three sisters single in their 40s gather 'round the fire on a night of thunder to figure out which sister

He’s a chef today but Raj Patel was once a swami in another life and a mongoose twice in other lives as well. All this occurred in Bangalore

Young hummingbird swirls and darts to the red feeder. Black cat waits below. Donal Mahoney

Ten years later he still mourns the death of his friend, Bill, such a smart man he could talk to

Miyuki is old enough to have been a child during World War II. Indeed, some of her students are that old as well but they are eager to learn and listen to her carefully. She is a teache...

It used to bother me to see odd people leapfrog parking meters and shout every day is Halloween until

When Bill goes home to the church of his youth he finds things are different. They don’t sing “Amazing Grace” the way they did when he was

Walter Branham, a retired teacher, and his wife Victoria went to Applebee’s, the chain restaurant, for lunch one day last week. First time they had gone there. Usually they go to an eth...

He likes people if they are useful. Women are useful. Employees are useful. Voters are useful.

I sit here at peace and mind my own business and hope for a butterfly. I never take one out of the air. I paint only the flight of the but…

Last night my recliner broke. I used the lever to lean back and I went way back, almost heels over head. A shock. I hate going to the recliner store