Resplendent sparkles, or: Broken asphalt

A haibun As a teenager, I would make the rounds with my snow shovel after heavy snowfalls in suburban New Jersey, offering my not at all highly esteemed driveway shoveling services. By my standards, the money was great. I always looked forward to winter. Then, in college, I encountered Cleveland, Ohio winters, which can be… Continue reading Resplendent sparkles, or: Broken asphalt

Nice Jewish boy, or: The evil inclination

Indistinct chatter as I made my way through the door, past the principal's office, down the hall; School aides, most of whom I knew from my high school years , stared at me, as if I were covered in glitter or stardust; The head aide smiled all nervous-like and said, "It's nice to see you… Continue reading Nice Jewish boy, or: The evil inclination

This is not a poet

More than two decades ago when I was applying to universities, I intentionally sought out strong programs in biomedical engineering. My thought at the time was that a degree in BME would serve me as a stepping stone for medical school. That turned out to be a terrible, foolish mistake on my part, which led… Continue reading This is not a poet