Entries by carmelsk

Hunger Pangs

Garth, our summer help, and I were struggling with a newborn calf. It was proving to be a pain to get him on his feet and help him stumble towards his mother to get some milk. The straw on the cement floor was wet from the calf’s birthing. It wasn’t exactly easy dealing with a […]

Her Smile

After reading the fictional story Hot Mess (July 24, 2025), several readers had questions. This story, Her Smile, is part one of a two-part response. Part two, Stirrings, will be published next week. The cultural traditions described in Hot Mess, and referenced again here, are the author’s creations.   HER SMILE   Sueliami and I […]

Hot Mess

***** Wedding Traditions ***** I lived in a village for six months where cultural practice—weddings for example—contrasted sharply from my passport country. A girl engaged to be married selects a piece of cotton cloth. She cuts off material to make a blindfold and a second piece to make a handkerchief. The remainder, worn as a […]

There and Gone – A Discussion Question

The church service having ended, people begin milling around. Young parents rush to pick up their toddlers from child care. Perhaps some are hurrying off to lunch, others hoping to the catch the attention of a dear friend they haven’t see over the summer. I keep my eyes down at first, careful to not trip […]

Letting Go of the Reins (L)

Comments in response to “Playing with Matches” (Feb.  26, 2024) motivated me to add at least one more story about Roger, his fiancé Barbara, and his friends Al and Al’s wife Jen.   Roger had had a two-year relationship with Jen and Al before any of them met Barb.  Both being introverts, Rog and Al […]

KNOW ME

I See you My husband My love Soon to be My LOVER I See you Looking at me Desiring me Wanting me Come I want you To see To know ME Take me To your Lair To your Bed Take ME Hold me Love me Cherish me Use words Use touch Use you Use ME […]