The mother’s voice carried across the field to the children far ahead. “Kids, stick together!” The older brother grabbed the younger one’s arm. “Come on, Fatso! You’re slowing us down!” Their sister frowned at him. “You’re not allowed to say that!” “But it’s true!” He stopped and folded his arms. “And the truth shouldn’t hurt!” … Continue reading The Pain of Truth
Valentine’s Day
A few years ago, I wrote a letter to my friends who were single. It went something like this: My dear ones, I know Valentine’s Day is past, but it took me all of that day and then some to think exactly what I wanted to say. I was thinking: it’s a good thing I … Continue reading Valentine’s Day
A Grain of Salt
About Me I’m a Catholic, and I strive to make that the source of my life. My faith took a philosophical bent when I chose my college, a Great Books Liberal Arts school in Southern California. Although I wasn’t aware of it, my own desire for a unified understanding of the world, what I call … Continue reading A Grain of Salt
The Signs of Happiness
The girl stared at her father until he looked up. His eyes widened behind his glasses. “What?” She stuck out her pretty red lip. “I’m bored.” He smiled and nodded. “It’s good for you!” Then he went back to his papers. She pouted some more until that, too, was boring. Then she went to stare … Continue reading The Signs of Happiness
The Sense of Magic
Office work is man’s best attempt at comfort for the sake of efficiency. There’s not much you can imagine as more removed from the world outside. If it’s hot, turn on the air conditioning. If it’s cold, turn on the heater. Roofs keep unwanted water out, and plumbing brings wanted water in. Walls deaden sounds, … Continue reading The Sense of Magic
The Feeling of the Philosopher
I started to climb because I wanted to see what it was like in the clouds. I reached them long ago, but I kept going. Every step showed more ahead and more behind. How could I stop? When I came to the top, the clouds broke. Only the stars showed down. I lay on my … Continue reading The Feeling of the Philosopher
The Beginning of Wisdom
Edmund yanked George’s little hand as they plodded along the covered walkway. The evening was already dark. Rain dripped off the tiles above them and dulled the patter of their steps. “Come on, George!” he said. “We’ll be late for dinner.” George’s head lowered, but he didn’t speed up. They came to a high gallery. … Continue reading The Beginning of Wisdom
The Unexamined Life
A sizable galleon cut through the waves with hardly a rise and fall of the bow. The Great Cabin below the poop was high enough to have windows that lightened it on the cloudless day. The crows nest had just reported that land was out of sight. After a long stretch in dry-dock for repairs, … Continue reading The Unexamined Life
A Grain of Salt 