thillld

Bottom Land

Rusty corn planter, The plow horse, Long gone. A home, Hewn from cottonwoods. No lights, no water. Much love. Empty now, It’s stories untold. Of laughing children, Chasing bugs, Log cabin, Two rooms, Melting into the prairie. The Wilson Ranch, Lush grass, Horses and Herefords, Branded, Rocking XA. A lazy river, After the flood. TheContinue reading “Bottom Land”

Chapter 14: Mounted Riflemen

Chapter 14 Mounted Riflemen “Yer out!” Cheers erupted from the crowd of spectators. The Country Boys had just defeated the Centerville Nine by a score of 3-2. They had finally learned to work together as a team and make the best of each player’s skills. There were Huzzahs all around and the opposingContinue reading “Chapter 14: Mounted Riflemen”

No Damn Parade

There’s no damn parade for me, For some emperor wannabe. I refuse to anoint a damn king, Bone spurs no accolades bring. His whole life has been a charade, He ain’t earned no stinkin’ parade. He dishonored the oath he swore, And we, who went off to war. We’re losers andContinue reading “No Damn Parade”

John Brown’s Body

John Brown’s Body A lot can happen in a week. At 4:30 AM on April 12, 1861, the guns of the Confederate States of America opened a bombardment on Fort Sumter. The fort had been designed to defend Charleston Harbor from attacks by sea. It’s defenses were pointed the wrong way, and it was stillContinue reading “John Brown’s Body”

No Kings Protest

Like many, I* will be attending my local No Kings Protest on June 14, 2025. Peaceful protests are the sacred right of all Americans. The right to assemble and seek redress of our grievances is enshrined in the First Amendment of the US Constitution. Whether you are participating in the No Kings Protest, counter-protesting it,Continue reading “No Kings Protest”

Life in 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 “Life in 2050”

Movie Date

She said yes! I had a date with the prettiest dark-eyed girl at Buena High School. Oh, how I had longed for this day. I had a secret crush on her since she showed up at our Freshman Orientation. It took a year to work up the nerve to talk to her. Her name wasContinue reading “Movie Date”

Vigil

Up a lonesome canyon so many miles from home, She misses her dear soldier never more to roam. Not so long ago, he heard a bugle’s call, He was a handsome warrior, brave and proud and tall. Now he lies beneath a stately old oak tree, Never more his widow nor hisContinue reading “Vigil”

Part II: War

Chapter 12: Better Angels Crack! Reuben slung the bat behind him and dashed for first base. He looked up to see the direction of the ball as he ran. It was fair, but flying high. As it started on its downward trajectory, the man on third base ran towards it. His bare handsContinue reading “Part II: War”

Kidnapped

Yes, I knew what freedom was, I roamed the world just because. Days of leisure, having fun, Basking in the summer sun. Not a care in all the world, My destiny not unfurled. But I was snatched from the street, By one who was soft and sweet. A hostage was myContinue reading “Kidnapped”