My parents were a June-December romanceDad had three other childrenThis put me in a position of havingNieces and nephews near my ageMy brother’s children were little monstersDestruction and terror reigned in their livesIdle threats lingered as punishmentsMy sister’s children were to be religious zealotsGoodness and love were to control all they didThey never spared the… Read More My Parents
Life is full of firstsAnd these may be the moments that shapeThe rest of our lives.First friend – Mike Lynn, whatever happened to him? They moved away.First love – Kirstie, and still isFirst LP bought – Johnny Cash, Folsom Prison, so coolFirst foreign trip – Sarnia, “Hey, I’ve been to Canada!”First job – Radiator shop,… Read More Firsts
While putting down the road The other dayI glanced at the wheel And did a double-takeI was shocked at what I saw Somewhat dazed and confusedI almost pulled over To check this out betterI mean, just whose hands were these? There was no recognitionOld age spots? Wrinkles?They didn’t seem familiar Who was driving my truck?2026
The Durant Hotel stands as one of Flint’s most significant architectural landmarks, representing both the city’s meteoric rise during the automotive boom and its modern-day revitalization.The hotel was born from an urgent need for luxury accommodations as Flint’s population exploded due to the success of General Motors. Named after William “Billy” C. Durant, the founder… Read More Forms Used by the Durant Hotel: Flint, Michigan by The American Hotel Association – Rostie Publishing
Who do I admire?Who do I uphold with reverence?Whose example do I look to?Who can I quote the most?Vonnegut – Great flowing wordsSteinbek – Stores that are rawWalter Ruether – Fair payJoe Hill – Martyr for the peopleMy DadWork EthicCaring for othersMy Dad2026
Voltairine de Cleyre was one of the most versatile and radical thinkers in American history. Often overshadowed by her contemporary Emma Goldman, de Cleyre’s essays are noted for their poetic intensity, intellectual rigor, and a distinct “anarchism without adjectives.”1. Anarchism Without AdjectivesDe Cleyre’s most significant contribution to political theory was her refusal to get bogged… Read More Selected Essays of Voltairine de Cleyre Volume 2 – Rostie Publishing
My first car was a cool 72 Chevy Nova2-door with rally wheelsBurnt Orange and black interior350 V-8, automatic, 4-barrel carb.More car than a teenager needed.Fast, not as fast as some, but whoaShe was dubbed Tequila SunriseA tropical sunrise adorned her trunk.8-track player? CheckCB Radio? CheckCustom afghan in the back seat? CheckCustom pillows, too? ChackIn those… Read More First Car
Smelt Dipping(My first ‘Published’ Piece, Written at age 11)A few weeks ago, our family went smelt dipping. My cousin used a pair of our waders and went out dipping for smelt. When he came back to shore, he was soaked and wet. Then I went out and started dipping. I caught one w]and went back… Read More Smelt Dipping
I wrote this ‘book report’ in the 12th grade in High School. My American Literature teacher, Mr. David Fisher, was quite the Vonnegut fan. I have learned to appreciate Vonnegut over the years and was surprised at my response here in, all these years later. Mr. Fisher was a fantastic teacher and instilled in me… Read More 12th Grade Book Report – Cats Cradle – Vonnegut
Watching the world hateSeeing it attack itselfNo care given to kindnessI often wonder howWe can tolerate this hurtContinue to function neverthelessI try my best to do goodTo show love and concernYet even I often failI try to instill in my mindAn image of my fatherAt the super table.Waiting patientlyFor everyone to have their fill beforeDishing… Read More Profound Kindness
Ramblings of an Old Coot 