We were at Bryce Canyon in southern Utah last month, Took a few pics of the crazy rock formations which are at once both beautiful and spooky.
Wind & rain worn rock creating empty castles. Blithe banshees frolic.
Haiku 122
Poetry and General Musings
The Awakening of Russell Henderson
Every Sunday, I try to post an excerpt from my novel, The Awakening of Russell Henderson. Here’s another. The book is available at http://www.amazon.com/author/edwardlehner.
City Lights was another San Francisco landmark, established in 1953 by Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Peter D. Martin, Martin who left after two years. The store specializes in world literature, arts, and progressive politics. The signs in the upper four windows read: ‘Open Door, Open Books, Open Mind, Open Heart’.
Inside, Frank went to talk with the manager, something about his book. I roamed the main floor, then the upper, and then discovered a basement. I wanted to read everything here. Frank found me down stairs.
“Hey, Frank, what do you recommend? Anything about what you talked about earlier?”
He motioned me to follow him to the philosophy section and pointed out several books on Existentialism and Deconstruction. Then he said, “I have these back at the house and you are more than welcome to read them, if you’re going to be around, that is?”
“Thanks. We’ll see. If so, I’ll take you up on your offer.” I had already picked up a novel and another book on Buddhism.
We left and drove back to Sausalito without talking. I sat back, enjoying the city sights and the return trip across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Haiku #121
I came across this photo I took, looking west, from the top of Wolf Creek Pass. I think it was last May 30th. The pass is at 10,860 feet and, to my mind, one of the easier ones, here in Colorado above 10,000 ft., to drive across. It’s a good road but has a few fairly tight switchbacks. One needs to pay serious attention to the speed limits because they aren’t kidding. The grades are fairly steep at 7%. Many times when I have been in the mountains, there can be complete silence, and then you hear a raven chatter, letting you know you aren’t alone. Here’s a little haiku for you.
Breathe thin crisp clear air. Eleven thousand feet high. Raven calls your name.
The Awakening of Russell Henderson
Every Sunday, I try to post an excerpt from my novel, The Awakening of Russell Henderson. Here’s another. The book is available at http://www.amazon.com/author/edwardlehner.
After another session of beautiful sex, I remembered nothing until, “Get up sleepy head, we’re leaving in a half hour.” I opened my eyes and saw Hanna standing over me, dressed in yoga pants and a tight black Tee that read ‘Yoga Bitch’.
“What time is it? I was really asleep. How long have you been up?”
“Not long. Coffee’s ready. Mom made some killer muffins.”
“I’m going to have to pass. I have some phone calls to make, to Chicago and it’s already 10:30 there. I’ve put it off too long already. I have to let them know what’s up. Next time?”
Hanna looked at me, “What? You okay?”
“Not really. I have to call my boss at Americo.”
“Wow, what are you going to do? You’re not going back, are you?”
“I don’t know. Maybe this is all ridiculous. I can’t drive around, living in a camper. I have good position and make good money. It really wasn’t that bad. I feel better about my life. My parents would be happier. Maybe things would be better — ”
Hanna gave me look. I couldn’t tell if it was a look of surprise, dismay, or anger or all three rolled into one.
She turned away and started toward the kitchen, “Let’s go, Mom. Russell’s not coming. He’s going back to fucking Chicago.”
The Awakening of Russell Henderson
Every Sunday, I try to post an excerpt from my novel, The Awakening of Russell Henderson. Here’s another. The book is available at http://www.amazon.com/author/edwardlehner.
I fumbled around looking for my swim suit which I couldn’t locate. Then I remembered where it was in a cubby in the camper. I went to get it and saw Frank heading out wrapped in a towel and carrying two drinks. I hurried and got my suit and headed to the tub Hanna motioned me to sit in beside her. Meg and Frank were seated across from us. I noticed quizzical stares from all three as I got in. Frank motioned me to my margarita, now in a plastic glass. Hanna and Meg both had wine.
I slid into the hot water which seemed really hot, but mellowed as my body got used to the heat. I relaxed in. The jets were going and I felt a slight massage to my back. This is living. Sure isn’t Iowa. God, I’m loving California.
We didn’t talk, everyone just laid back and enjoyed the warmth and the ambience. The jets stopped and the water quieted down and I saw, for the first time, that everyone was naked, but for me. Oh shit. No wonder they all gave me that look. I diverted my gaze. I know I turned beet red. Maybe I’m already red from the heat.
Meg saw me and, I will love her forever, reached around and pushed the button for the jets. She said, “Ever been in a hot tub before, Russell?”
“My first time. It’s nice. Relaxing.”
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