Breaching Bright Air

Breaching Bright Air

On Tuesday, April 22, 1975, my creative writing class of eleven students clambered into our teacher’s van in front of New Smyrna Beach High School. Florida morning steamed sweat across our foreheads and the backs of our necks. Fish and salt and the herbal scent of...
Waiting For The Real Deal

Waiting For The Real Deal

I sat back on my heels in the front window of Behrens’ Book Store and eyed Jackie Herold’s Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls cradling a copy of Love Story. Ralph, my stepfather, had roped me into decorating the window for Valentine’s Day and I’d Tom-Sawyered Jackie into...
Song From An Innocent Time

Song From An Innocent Time

A white piece of paper fluttered onto my lit book as James Knox, moved past my desk. Song for Emil had been typed across the top of what must be song lyrics. My forehead wrinkled and questions bumper-carred around my head. I watched James, the most vocal member of...