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Chapter 11: Wanted Man

Two years after leaving Kansas, Reuben was in the field checking the growth of his corn when a well-dressed man drove up to his Iowa farm in a buggy. He looked official. Was he trouble? Reuben peered at the stranger from the cover of the field. The man got out of the rig and knocked.Continue reading “Chapter 11: Wanted Man”

Tariffs vs. the Super Rat

World trade and tariffs are complicated. Dirt bikes are not. Enter the diminutive Hodaka motorcycle. Back in the ‘60s an Athena, Oregon grain exporter had a problem. The Pacific Basin Trading Company, PABATCO, was selling lots of grain to Japan. The were accumulating piles of Japanese Yen in return. A way was neededContinue reading “Tariffs vs. the Super Rat”

Melancholia

Reuben sat on the bench reflecting on the War, his marriage, his family, his sorrow, and his guilt. Beside him sat his revolver, cold, hard, loaded. Next to the gun was a crock of rye whiskey. He twisted the cork off, cradled it in the crook of his arm, and took a long swig.Continue reading “Melancholia”

Chapter 10: Mayhem

Reuben was surprised to see his friend James Mongomery brushing past the crowd gathered in front of the Barnes General Store, which served as the Post Office and Polling Place for the brand-new hamlet of Sugar Mound. Had Mongomery changed his mind about boycotting the vote on the Lecompton Constitution, he wondered. Election day wasContinue reading “Chapter 10: Mayhem”

Cybertruck Blues

Bought me a Cybertruck, One Hundred Thou, Before Elon crashed the DAQ and the Dow. I gotta admit I just kissed a toad, It’s the ugliest truck on the damn road. I hate to be seen in my Cybertruck, Purchased from such a stupid dumb cluck. I trusted Elon when I madeContinue reading “Cybertruck Blues”

Chapter 9: 1857

“This court is now in session. Would the defendants please rise?” The three men looked around as if seeking allies in the crowd. Two of them slowly began to stand. “Git yer sorry ass up!” demanded the farmer serving as both guard and bailiff. He nudged the reluctant man with the butt of his SharpsContinue reading “Chapter 9: 1857”

To Die in the Street

Is it better to die in the street, Or be crushed ‘neath some autocrat’s feet? Should I defy unwarranted rules, Or put up with the fakes and the fools? Should I blow up a Tesla or two, Or concede that their lies are all true? Should I quietly fall into line, Continue reading “To Die in the Street”

Women’s Sports

Some of Americans were so incensed over a handful of trans athletes in women’s college sports that they took their eye off the ball. There are half a million collegiate women athletes. Estimates of the number of trans athletes playing women’s sports range from ten to fifty. San Jose State University is one of theContinue reading “Women’s Sports”

Margaret

There she was, her long dark hair flowing behind her as she ran toward the approaching wagon. “Reuben!” she exclaimed as the long months of worry washed away. The runabout rolled to a stop as Reuben leapt out. They ran toward each other in great anticipation, nearly colliding as Reuben’s arms folded around her.Continue reading “Margaret”

Red Chevrolet

We had an old truck, a red Chevrolet, I remember it well to this very day. A Stovebolt Six and a four on the floor, That leaky old muffler could sure make it roar. Both of my brothers had driven that truck, And to drive it someday might be my luck. IContinue reading “Red Chevrolet”