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2050

Coltrane stopped and pivoted as he reached the steel door. The digital timer next to the little observation window ticked down. Eight seconds. He had plenty of time before the shock collar began buzzing. He held his wrist up to the scanner. He didn’t like the chip, but what could he do? He hadContinue reading “2050”

Desert Race

TeThe line of bikes stretches for hundreds of yards. How many? Hundreds, maybe thousands. One of the greatest spectacles in racing is about to begin. Men, kids, even women are astride a kaleidoscope of colorful machines. Bright jerseys and worn leathers topped by every variety of crash helmet ever produced. They wait, silent, tense, theirContinue reading “Desert Race”

Skeleton Canyon Treasure

I studied the legend, the facts and the lore, I did my research, there had to be more. I bought a map from an old miner’s daughter, She said, “Look here.” Thought maybe I oughter. Combed the records at the Tombstone Courthouse, Found a claim that was gnawed by a mouse. ThatContinue reading “Skeleton Canyon Treasure”

Old Truck Waltz

An old truck will get you where you wanna go, The gears might grind and the ride might be slow. A stove bolt six or a flathead eight, Are all you need when the road ain’t so great. Though the fenders flap and the bed is rotten, They’ll take you back to a time forgotten.Continue reading “Old Truck Waltz”

Flight

There she was and she was a beauty. Polished aluminum gleaming in the sun. And I had eight silver dollars in my pocket. I was gonna fly! The airshow was always a big deal. Barnstorming acts from all over came to perform. There were military displays. One year they had a helicopter. Another timeContinue reading “Flight”

Joy

Let’s go out and spread some joy, to make each other’s spirits buoy. Do some favors if you will, help someone their dream fulfil. Smile at all with whom you meet, make their path a happy street. Dig deeper when the hat is passed, know that hard times cannot last. Compliment the smallest things, andContinue reading “Joy”

I Have a Plan

“I have a plan,” said Richard Milhous Nixon in 1968. He was going to end the Vietnam War he told us. “What was his plan?” we asked? Nixon couldn’t tell us. It involved secret negotiations. It would end the War in dignity. 1968 was a tough, divisive year for America. The Vietnam War wasContinue reading “I Have a Plan”

Cumbres and Toltec

They say the days of steam are nuthin’ but a dream, And maybe it would seem that the airplane is supreme. But if you’ll hear me out I’ll leave ya with no doubt. At Chama, you will find, a charm that is sublime. And at the railway station, there is a big sensation. AContinue reading “Cumbres and Toltec”

A Walk in the Park

Took a walk to Veterans Park, No, it wasn’t just a lark. Children playing on the swings, Oh, the joy their laughter brings. An older woman feeding birds, Chirping at her whispered words. Two lovers sitting on a bench, May first love never quench. A homeless man beneath a tree, May his demons set himContinue reading “A Walk in the Park”

A Storm Called Vera

“We’re going back to The Rock on this thing?” I gasped. “At least it ain’t the Henrico.’ A grunt from 1/9 opined. “You think the Henrico was bad? You should have been with us on the Greasy George Clymer. Fifty-seven straight days of cruising off Vietnam on that miserable excuse for a ship. Hotter thanContinue reading “A Storm Called Vera”