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…

By Patrick Owens July 21, 2019 Off

Holy Ghost Picnic

Patrick,  here is your next question: Talk about a time in your youth when your family was all together and you had a really good time. Laurie Holy Ghost Picnic I’ve had a hard time with this one, Laurie. My parents were loving but not demonstrative. Family memories are bland; in the most vivid, I…

By Patrick Owens July 21, 2019 Off

A Road Trip

Darlings This is a story of a year-long road trip, 1970-71. I bought a ratty-old mail truck for $400. A carpenter and a welder helped me turn it into a habitable camper – sort of. When you’ve got a camper, or recreational vehicle if you’re going to be fancy-shmancy, you can go anywhere you want.…

By Patrick Owens March 25, 2019 Off

Paddy & Dear Me

Out Of Exile – 1940    Chapter 1 I never even knew I had a grandmother until Mom yanked me out of school. We ran down the empty hallway and stopped just inside the front door. “Paddy, guess who’s waiting to meet you?” “I don’t know.” “Your grandmother Amelia. She’s in the car.” We rushed…

By Patrick Owens October 29, 2018 Off

Paddy & Dear Me

Out Of Exile – 1940    Chapter 1 I never even knew I had a grandmother until Mom yanked me out of school. We ran down the empty hallway and stopped just inside the front door. “Paddy, guess who’s waiting to meet you?” “I don’t know.” “Your grandmother Amelia. She’s in the car.” We rushed…

By Patrick Owens October 28, 2018 Off

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…

By Patrick Owens October 22, 2018 Off

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…

By Patrick Owens October 22, 2018 Off

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…

By Patrick Owens October 22, 2018 Off