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WHERE? EXACTLY!
In Yuma, Arizona today, I have no idea what might have happened. Once, without going to a library and rummaging through microfiche in the dust laden corner of the second basement, I would never be able to find out. And if I did, I would wonder why there was not some simpler way of finding…
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ANGLE OF INCIDENCE
Dusk reflects dawn much asdawn reflects dusk, and it isour fear of night and deep needfor direction that sets them apart. Imagine a photograph of the sunhovering just over the horizon,compass-less we do not knowwhat preceded, what will follow. We prefer day and dawn, forit is then we feel in control,our thoughts leashed, our fearslocked…
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DEAR PAVLOV
We both know that havinga pet at our age is wisefor they provide a companionshipthat can be difficult to find.I’ve had both dogs and cats,but the decision this timewas reasonably simple,for dogs have an insatiableneed to walk their people,weather is no impedimentand my arthritis is no longerall that forgiving of damp and cold. So we…
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KOTEI STRIKES A MONK 鐵笛倒吹 八十一
Bow before a kingand you may be rewardedbut bow before a teacherand expect to be shunned.Which has something to offer?Ask the teacher why he shuns youand he will turn you away. One offers a bit of gold,one offers a priceless gem.Gold can buy you many thingsbut the gem is worthlessto all but he to who…
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BENEATH THE WAVES
She says she has always wantedto swim like a dolphin, and she laughswhen others tell her that she can,in the Florida Keys and in Hawaii. She tells them that anyone, at leastanyone with money can swimwith the dolphins, but she wantsto swim like a dolphin as well. She wants to see the sky appearthrough the…
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WAITING FOR HEAVEN TO CALL
He says he is waiting patientlyfor the arrival of heaven on earth. He is not sure what that will be likeand the descriptions he has seenare too fantastical to be believed,all clouds and angels and music He is hoping the things he lovesmost will be available in heaven,a good Alfredo sauce and Germanchocolate cake, for…
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SOTO
If you are able to speakmaintain silence,If you can bear the silence,listen to the song the sea sings.If you can sing with the seacount the grains of sandthat wash in on the next wave.If you lose count, begin againbefore the wave recedes.If the wave recedes beforeyou finish counting, bid it farewell.After you bid farewellreturn to…
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ME, MYSELF NOT I
It would be so much easierif I had a twin brother,and not merely a doppelganger. Doppelgangers are nice enoughbut they are never aroundwhen you most need themand the refuse to take the blamefor your actions, althoughthey are willing to blame youfor theirs, an ugly imbalance. Idential twins have advantagesif you can bend themto your will,…
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NOT A DONUT
I have never made a bagel. I have never jumped off the roof of a house to see what flight was like. I have never run a marathon or a half marathon. I have never owned a Ferrari, Lamborghini or Maserati. Or a Porsche for that matter. I have never driven a car at more…
