World War 1 erupted 100 years ago. About 50 years ago, I decided WW1 was a travesty. I remember my father’s sadness and my mother’s rage when I announced my (paternal) grandfather died at Passchendaele for nothing. Teenagers are not known for tact, and I am not proud of that outburst. Man of the House…… Continue reading A Cold Beer in Passchendaele
Category: Write
A Day to Forget
OK I admit it: I got tired of figuring out this place all on my own, so I signed up for a “Landmarks and Viewpoints” tour for foreign visitors. This was a day to forget.At exactly the appointed time the bus rolled up to my Okoyama (Honshu) $26 a night capsule hotel (Hotel River Side).…… Continue reading A Day to Forget
A Day to be Forgotten
I write about a day to be forgotten. Yikes.
Decoding a Crane
What are we thinking? I’m in Japan. A lone crane swoops low over a large, exquisitely landscaped pond. There are two other bystanders; they smile contentedly as the crane reinforces a common bond, evoking fragments of mysticism, national treasure, longevity, good fortune, origami, the number 1,000, childhood memories, and current dreams. I’m seeing a crane…… Continue reading Decoding a Crane