“Star”

I sweated so much the first night I slept with her that my sheets were soaked by morning. Her snores and farts allowed me no rest.  Still, she was the most beautiful puppy I had ever laid eyes upon. And she was mine. Dark brown eyes opened in the morning and a pink tongue with…

By Charles R. Bucklin July 5, 2021 Off

Jimmy’s Place

My friend Charlie from Acting School crashes on my couch exhausted. He smells like tortilla chips, cigarettes, sweat, and tequila.  He sleeps over when he works at one of his restaurant jobs late in the evening, usually on weekends. I sleep in the back of my railroad apartment in my bed and Charlie sleeps on…

By Charles R. Bucklin June 21, 2021 Off

Window Shopping

They sit in a crowded shop window. Gazing out at the public with expressions that seem to beg for attention and love.  Each one has an identity, each one has a story. They all just want to be held and loved. And so they sit waiting. Waiting for that “special” someone. Someone who will name…

By Charles R. Bucklin June 14, 2021 Off

The Search for Freedom

Getting older sucks. And anyone who tells you differently is full of shit. Such were my thoughts as I drove home from the store. My cheeks burned with frustration as I replayed this afternoon’s humiliating events in my head. “Hello, can I help you?” bellowed an anorexic bearded kid behind the Health Food store counter.…

By Charles R. Bucklin May 24, 2021 Off

Hot Lunch

“You must be hungry,” said the Old Man one miserably humid day at the Country Club golf course. “Yeah, I sure am,” I replied. “How about a hot dog?” “That would be great, Dad!” He could have offered me dog excrement on a saltine cracker and I would have probably eaten it. I was so…

By Charles R. Bucklin May 17, 2021 Off