Man Up
Man Up I’ve had it with the arguments, where she turns it around that I’m always wrong. I’ve walked out before, even made it to the subway platform. But I stood there like a dummy and I let two trains go by. A transit cop gave me the fish-eye, so I scurried back to the…
What’s A Lavender Word For Lynch?
What’s A Lavender Word For Lynch? From the short story collection Manor Bayou by Patrick Owens The front parlor of the decaying Victorian had been turned into a sickroom, and Mother lay propped against the headboard of the massive four-poster. Boy, someone sure busted their butt maneuvering that sucker down the curved stairway from the…
Lt. Smith And The Dominant Crow
Lt. Smith And The Dominant Crow by Patrick Owens From the short story collection: Manor Bayou Note: Lt. Smith led a unit of Tunnel Rats, assorted misfit infantrymen who attacked the underground portions of the Ho Chi Men trail in the Vietnam War. One of the Lieutenant’s options was to call in air strikes. My…
Herschel’s Last Bit
Herschel’s Last Bit by Patrick Owens From the short story collection: The Village of Manor Bayou My grandson is standing on a chair, poking around above the ceiling panels. His butt’s about to knock over my food supply. “Careful, Arnie.” “I know Grandpa, the I.V. pole.” His voice echoes above the drop-ceiling like he’s inside…