When we got married, Sandy had two twin Tonkinese boys, litter mates. I grew to love them. They’re gone now. But their personalities were a gentle teaching. Rico was the bigger of the two, darker in color, slower and more cautious, tentative, and reserved. I felt the weight of his fear and judgments. He was … [read more]
Memoir
A lesson in connection
I Image: Ruel del Jamorol Interconnectedness reveals itself in innumerable ways, most very subtle, often hidden. Few are this disarming I have been staunchly anti-war since I was a teenager, confidently so, smugly perhaps, schooled on Howard Zinn, Staughton Lynd, Tom Hayden, and David Harris. But my commitment was never tested. I read … [read more]
Soothe
Caitriona Balfe, Buddy’s Ma An assassination attempt two days ago. A political convention today where some of the most draconian plans are being seriously considered. A good leader stumbling publicly. Record heat. Wildfires. Though I was born in the final two weeks of the Truman administration, I was a Kennedy kid. That world would last … [read more]
Memory revisited
Image: Alex Dukhanov John died over eight years ago, but listening to REM brought him back to life last week. I leaked like an old faucet hearing his voice. I remember the specific details of Megan’s, Athena’s, and Ian’s birth days vividly, along with foods we ate, midwives’ names and times of day. As well, … [read more]
Pardoning Saint Patrick
I’m a fourth generation Paddy. My great-grandparents came here in the last two decades of the nineteenth century, I am told from Cork, Ulster, and maybe some islands near Scotland, through Canada and Boston, then on to Colorado. I don’t feel Irish, nor do I have any particular affinity for Irishness. Or, at least … [read more]
An Italian Day in a Chinese Life
From March 10, 2010 I worked Saturday at my office in Kwun Tong, joining friends afterwards in rural Sai Kung for dinner. We walked to a small shop selling fine Italian cheeses, meats, olives, oils, and wines and enjoyed a light snack of prosciutto, formaggio con tartufi and marinated garlic, with home-made bread and a … [read more]
