newish lines

The owner glides across parquet floors,
a cushion of air beneath his tassles.
The cuneiform you can’t read says
judge something something slave mutter
mutter something something then king.
You know what you are.

another goodbye

Cleveland--and the wider world of writing--has lost a bright light: fiction writer, beloved teacher, mother, wife, and friend to many, Sheila Schwartz, whose sardonic wit was always a pleasure. Blessings to her family, friends, and students.

unusual day

I don't remember an election day like today: my windows are open, I can hear the gulls out over the water, and I already voted along with many many other folks.

It'll be near 70 today, and I hope many people take the day off.

I'm giving my students "extra-credit" if they wear their "I Voted Today" stickers.

Am relieved Ohio isn't the sole "decider" that it has been, but I don't like living in a toss-up state.

Is it my imagination, or are perfect strangers being more civil to each other?

crazy obama fans

Two of the 80,000 folks at the Obama rally, downtown Cleveland, November 2.