Book While You Can.
In fact most artists recognize their own weaknesses far better than the critics do. Only naturally there is no place for the public parade of this knowledge. If one is … Continue reading
I’ve Been Everywhere, Man
Two boys in shoes unsuited for the crisp day stand seemingly unaccompanied in the Vienna U-Bahn. There are several potential mother-types seated nearby, perhaps taking a break from supervision while … Continue reading
Weight Weight…Don’t Tell Me
Waiting for a three a.m. flight after their vacation, the couple weigh themselves on an airport baggage scale. She giggles before stepping up on the square silver platform. Her husband … Continue reading
Potential (and Shelf Life)
Over there [in America] you think of nothing but becoming President of the United States some day. Potentially every man is Presidential timber. -Henry Miller. Tropic of Cancer.
On the Path, Nonetheless.
Writing is the only activity which makes me feel “only I could produce this.” Whether or not “this” is of any use is of course the crucial question to which … Continue reading
Fishing With the Straßenbahn-Netz
A man sweeps the sidewalk in front of the hotel, casting gravel into a diminishing snowbank just past the curb. He wears a purple sweater over a white shirt, navy … Continue reading
Go and Look
“All the critic can tell you with regard to Titian’s Entombment of Christ, perhaps of all the pictures in the world, is to go and look at it. What else … Continue reading
The Well-Behaved
The baby has more hair than most of Economy Class. Her mother totes the tot in a carrier over her front, like a nervous tourist who carries their backpack over … Continue reading
Refresh
Sorry to be remiss, but I’m on a trip. Taking a little time to refresh both the spirit and the story reserves. Slated for next week: a baby with some … Continue reading
Don’t Mess With
An anxious Austrian college boy wears a Texas t-shirt, tucked in, and one can see his belt up high on his ribs as he sits in a low café chair. … Continue reading
Don’t Quit Your Day Job
Writing was the sole activity of his life, but not his sole happiness. He knew he had to work like everybody else. He could enjoy doing other work. Yes, if … Continue reading
Agency
I dare to unearth the Turkey travel guide in their presence. Yes, it is in English and the four old Turkish men are all trying to communicate with me in … Continue reading
My Carrot-Towel Confusion
He’s among a dozen men with stands to sell fruits and vegetables on the Naschmarkt. We’ve became pals because one day I tried to ask for carrots in Turkish and … Continue reading
Benim Kızım and Other Cures for Airsickness
The general rustling of reading material charges through the airplane. Everyone shifts in their seat, digs through the belongings that should be stowed under the seat. The whole middle section … Continue reading
The Admirer
It is a weird thought that anyone is permitted to love anyone and in any way he pleases. Nothing in nature forbids it. A cat may look at a king, … Continue reading
Acquiesce (and Check, please)
The young couple sits together on the same side of the booth. The boy tries to teach his completely beautiful girlfriend how to play chess–or not how to play, precisely, … Continue reading
Off-Season
The café is a drafty perch for spying on the nearly vacant city. Crows tap dance on the metal plates over the rooftop terrace. A boy with an accordion embraces … Continue reading
The Forms
The foreverness of real love is one of the reasons why even unrequited love is a source of joy. The human soul craves for the eternal of which, apart from … Continue reading
Right…Now. Or now…or…
In fact no one recognizes the happiest moment in their lives when they are having it. It may well be that, in a moment of joy, one might sincerely believe … Continue reading
Resolution
“Beware of pickpocketers while praying.” I pass the sign in the entryway to the Church of the Infant of Prague. I keep my hands in my empty pockets. I admire … Continue reading
The Nice Thing About Strangers 