A.G.E's Joint

This road trip was endless, running from one tourist trap to another in the misty rain. Jerry had to admit, “The Museum of the House Cat” and “Goats on the Roof” were fun. But did she really have to hit every tchotchke shop like it was the last day on earth? He fought tooth and nail not to go in them. But Martha was THE WIFE. Dutifully, he dodged the rows of Mommy tanks to stand bored in front of Jesus snow globes and “hand made” dream catchers, only to have her complain about everything being too expensive.    A double billboard came in to view. On the left was for the “Can’t We All Get A Loan?” pawn shop. Cute. It reminded him of the “Free at Last” bail company next to the jail. One of those jolts they make you remember the business. The other board touted “The Casino at the End of the World.” That would work. Gamble yourself broke, pawn your car, and then you can die.    “Oh, Jerry. That casino looks fun.”   “Yeah. Doesn’t it?”   “Oh, p...

Roof over our head Food on the board On the right side of the ground And breathing   We are blessed.     After he finished the Grace, the couple sat next to each other at the small table. Martha leaned over and kissed him, city lights glistening though the raven curls.    "That was lovely, Jerry"    "Thank you , my Love."   Slicing the breast, he placed one on her plate, followed with the cornbread-apple dressing. Then he served himself. Silently, they ate with their eyes closed. Yves had outdone himself, getting the meal together before he went to Paris to see his family. He might be annoying, but he did know how to manage a house.   Plates cleaned of the last morsels, Martha refilled their glasses. Meditatively, she looked at the wine and softly said.   "It's been quite a year."   "Several years." Came the smiling reply.    "It was nice of Rabbi Kunkel to come down to marry us." ...

The black Benz made the turn into the garage, its driver mildly irritated. How did he get roped into this trip? The plan was to soak in the hot tub until 12 and do some golf. But, no. Martha called and said her car was in the shop again and she needed a ride to some book event. All she did was read books and write poetry. Even the law practice was changed to represent authors, rather than industrial patents. It was a new challenge, dealing with real humans and their problems versus manager’s profit and loss statements.   He found her standing on the curb chatting with the Concierge. A blue peacock covered dress covered the petite frame. With a hat to match, she looked like something out a movie. It made Jerry wish he had the convertible. He pulled up next to her and got out with the engine still running. Light on his feet , he opened the door for his lady. Smiling broadly at him, she slid onto the tan leather. With a prim swivel, sandals cleared the door. Jerry ret...

One by one the guests arrive The guests are coming through The open-hearted many The broken-hearted few And those who dance begin to dance And those who weep begin Welcome, welcome , cries a voice Let all my guests come in From "The Guests" by Leonard Cohen When I was little, I had imaginary friends. We'd gather in my room and talk over apples and ginger ale.   I would talk to them and change my voice to have them answer me.  My family thought I was strange.  And, indeed, I was. I had to be strange to navigate the waters of an alcoholic couple who were completely incompatible with each other.  Add to it, four other siblings doing much the same thing, there was always great drama around. So, my friends were my way to escape, and the central "I" stayed back in the control room of my brain to make sure none of them totally took over. Yes, Dis-associative Disorder (sometimes called "split personality") is something I have always been intimat...

Steam rose from the pavement from the afternoon shower. Standing in front of the building was the Man Who Sold the World , or least the idea of instant greetings, t he apartment was finally done. Penthouse magnificence unlike anything Atlanta had ever seen and he had the top three floors of the building. He had used the same guy that did Elton John’s place and paid him extra to make sure that his was better. It was higher.     Elton’s was only 40 floors up and his was 50.The reverse taper of the building made the “public” first floor was smaller than his private quarter’s two floors up, which he thought was a nice touch.    A sudden smell ruined the moment. The source was playing a harmonica just to the left of the entrance. The guy motioned to Jerry to throw something in the hat. Why couldn’t he find a real job and quit bothering productive people like him?    All this came because he had an idea and executed it. Pulling cash out of ...

Ow.   That sun is bright.   Where are those sunglasses?   I reach into my pocket to get them and I feel the ring.     The song is true.   You don’t know what you’ve got until it is gone.   And I came damned close.   The embolism wasn’t my fault.   But I can’t waste any more time.   I wonder what Bubbe would say?  “Hi, Jerry.   You ready to see some art?”   Martha startled me out of my reverie.    She’s wearing the daisy sundress and a pair of clogs.   Heh.   She looks like a river of yellow.   Looks good against the rainbows coming off the street.      “Sure, Babe.   Let’s go.” The hand slips into mine. It is warmer than I have ever felt.   This is the beginning of a new life for me.                             ...