Tunnel Vision

Photo Tunnel Vision copyright Irene MacFarland

Nobody wants to enter the tunnel

But to get from here to there

We must pass through its blind walls
 
Travel with trust that we will

Be greeted by light

On the other side.

Presenting at the 2015 UW Madison's Writers Institute.

This spring I will be doing two presentations at the UW Madison Writer's Institute. One will focus on book trailers - what are they, why would you want one for your book, and how do you go about creating one. The other workshop will include my friend and creative collaborator Irene MacFarland. We will talk about our six year project in which we swap work on a monthly basis and create a new piece based on the prompt.

You can get more details about these - and many other - workshops at https://uwwritersinstitute.wisc.edu/?source=uwwritersinstitute.org.

steamed

Obedient pans hang in rows

dangling above the steam,

a free spa treatment while they

await employment.

Some will enjoy a long slow burn

teasing the sweet release of

aromatic garlic, onion and herbs.

Others will know dangerous heat

searing flesh infused with time tested sauces

dangerous, delectable and

quickly finished.

Growing Up

Jimmy walked into the living room dressed in brown corduroys, brown socks, and a brown plaid shirt. He carried his notebook under his arm and his hair was neatly combed, cowlick tamed and all. She was so proud she could sing. It had taken him 36 years to get to this point, but the important thing was that he had made it.

He stood there, grinning like a maniac. Estele wondered if Jimmy's newfound interest in his appearance had any thing to do with his new co-worker at the Opportunity Development Center, Jenny. She was about his age, adorable in her long blonde braids, and just as high functioning as he was.

"OK Mom. Let's go."

Estele closed the kitchen door behind them and followed him to the car.

"You look very nice Jimmy. Is something special happening today?"

"I have to train Jenny on my machine... and I want her to like me."

Oh boy, thought Estele, here we go.

Behind The Scenes

“And this completes our behind-the-scenes tour of Old Timey Train Town. It’s been a real experience to show you through our little slice of heaven. And speaking of slices, why not stop by the Dining Car Café for an authentic railway pizza? Then check out the gift shop. You’ll find conductor caps, pennies flattened on real train rails, and best of all, train whistles. They’re a treat for kids of all ages.”

The motley group I’d spent the past hour with plods through the sawdust toward our profit centers. I let the smile fall from my face and rub the crick in my neck. My palm comes away slick with late summer sweat. The map may show Old Timey Train Town in Wisconsin, but based on today’s temperature, I’d say we’re really closer to hell. I wish we could uncork some cooler weather. Forty-five degrees sounds heavenly on a record heat kind of day.

Since my shift is over, I decide to head to the saloon. I take off my conductor cap and belly up to the bar.  I could go for a nice, cold mug of beer, but unfortunately the strongest beverage we stock is sarsaparilla. Once again, my life stinks. If only I could hop a train the way my great granddad did, and find my fortune in a new place. 

In walks my manager with an obvious stick up his butt.

“Grab your hat. Pat called in sick. You know what this means…”

Yeah. My life sucks.

Taste of Summer

Photo of finch titled "Taste of Summer" by Irene MacFarland

Bright red mouth, stick legs

and scarlet-tipped Mohawk…

he wants to be noticed.

He flits from place to place but often hangs

in a rough part of town

his attitude all look – but don’t touch.

None can get near him and eventually

he will leave, becoming only a

wistful memory.

But for today, summer soldiers on with

heated eruption of growth and

tempting treats just buzzing to be tasted.