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Anniversary Island
My husband and I just went away for our 10-year wedding anniversary For one night, 87 miles away We took our time, we were in no hurry Were happy for the chance to get out and play We quickly realized we’ve honed in some routines over the years Idiosyncrasies of the Parkers Two became one
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The Lifeguard Stand
Wood, tall, painted white Steps in the front, shelter overhead I stood at its base in the parking lot It was out of place in that spot Should have been on the beach instead But it caught my eye and I stopped to look A week before Memorial Day The large sign on the back
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Cantankerous
She was bent up, pent up Like sardines in a can Sailed into the office like a whale in the sea Irate, ornery, there to meet with me Her hair was bright blonde She wore a red hat It reminded me of the sun Everything in her path became undone Cruella Deville, the Grinch, a
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The Orange Cushion
There’s an orange cushion in my parents’ house In 25 years it hasn’t changed an ounce It’s in the basement – a cool place, in fact Seeing it the other day took me back It’s orange like a pumpkin with white cloth handles on each side Firm but giving I held it there on the
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The Bible Around You
She said she’d never read the Bible before She was 31, me, 34 From Florida She reminded me of my childhood best friend Anyone could talk to her Sweet, funny, hardworking, hard to offend I never really talked to her but from my office outside hers I could hear every conversation Small talk, life stories,
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Instruction for the Ignoramus
Have you ever felt stupid? Stupid isn’t a nice word. Ignorant, incompetent, unintelligent? A doofus, an ignoramus, a fool? It’s not a good feeling, especially when you feel that way in an environment in which you’re supposed to know what you’re doing. In front of other people. This happened to me yesterday, and I’m still
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Grandma’s House
Sunday afternoon, a pretty day in May The pup heard his mama say, “Let’s go to Grandma’s” He headed to the door His mama with leash in hand On the sidewalk, moving forward as planned Marlin, a white mixed dog jumped the fence Billy saw him coming and acted in defense He stepped in front
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My Office
The hallway outside was empty The air, so tranquil Friday morning, the first one in, I was thankful I didn’t even bother to turn on the light With the blinds open on a spring morning it was already so bright Newcomers and some old timers say the carpet’s dull The desktop is dusty The paint
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Love Your Brothers
Do you ever think about what it means to love other people? I’m not talking so much about romance here, but more of a practical, day-to-day concern for the wellbeing of others. The Bible talks a lot about it. Jesus said that’s how the world would know people are his disciples: if they love one
writings on life
gremlin fodder 