'Tis the morning of Christmas, and the family is awake, looking at the stockings which were empty again. The youngest boy accepted this fact as it was, Santa may come next year, if he ever does, with an iPad or MacBook for his brother or him. The oldest boy remembered a Christmas that was much different, where toys were abundant every year. Years ago, Santa Claus ran the show in the North Pole, leading the elves through preparing toys. On occasion, the elves would make things

You claim your words are given Sincerely. You claim your mistakes are paid for dearly. But when your act is closely inspected, A cover-up is what is detected. Sincerity's media without wax; Delivery without hiding the cracks. Cumcerity's a more apt contraction, Befitting your attempted distraction.

Once in a lifetime, you become the star. There is a party in your honour. You’re the main attraction. Dolled up, warm speeches, posters pinned all 'round. And like a star on the Walk of Fame, a stone that says your name.

Navon was on the bed, taking off his shoes and socks. He placed the shoes neatly at the foot of the bed and stuffed the socks in a small laundry bag with dryer sheets, a ritual Michèle has insisted on for trips like these so the whole room wouldn't smell like feet. Navon was preparing to take a shower, slipping the Union Flag shirt over his head and tossing it on the ground beside his sock bag. At this, Michèle, who too had undressed from her blouse and slacks, came up behind

What makes a man a father or not? Is it giving, seeing, or hugging a lot? Is it teaching lessons that need to be taught? Is it being there to raise the child he brought? Is it punishing when bad deeds have been caught? Is it praising them when their goals have been sought? Is it comforting when their dreams fall apart? What makes a man a father or not? Was my parent a father or not? Did he give me, see me, or hug me enough? Were the lessons he taught me nothing but fluff? Was

As I walked to my car on a mid-autumn day, I came across the scene of two squirrels at play. One was bolting from a bush 'cross the lawn. The other a yard back, target locked on. They scaled a pin oak and circled its bald branches. Their climbing skills and speed were near even matches. The hunted found refuge to breathe and sit. The hunter sneaked hush between the fork split. Hunted ran at hunter's reappearance. The chase recommenced on the grass clearance. Neither noticed n

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