On Tuesday, I turn 50, and it will be quiet because it’s hard to change what shapes you in your formative years, that perhaps you aren’t someone who’s important enough to be celebrated. I’m not sure what 50 is supposed to be feel like, but it’s hard not to think about what’s still left to accomplish, what is still to come.
Read moreThe American Dream
Sometimes I go alone, like this morning, watching piles of dirty ice melt, sidestepping people with other American Dreams. This morning I recounted the papers to be graded, our afternoon workout, the construction across from the laundromat that only last week had seemed stalled and today seemed almost complete, the sun so bright I had to look down. It was then the American Dream wobbled and grinded its metal bar on the sidewalk. I looked down at the wheel flat on the concrete.
Read moreToday the Laundry Broke Me
I.
Today the laundry broke me.
II.
It’s not really about the laundry. Even if I say it was.
It’s like saying a marriage is over because he never does the dishes. It’s not really about the dishes. Even if she says it is. No one ends it because of the dishes.
The dishes are what breaks her.
Read moreSpring Break
Recently we were all told to limit our travel, limit events, gatherings, practice social distancing. I think this was last week, but we moved so quickly from self-regulation to state government action. From universities being closed for two weeks to online teaching for the rest of the semester. To school closures and telecommuting and cancelling Broadway. From advice to socially distance to no gatherings of 500 people, 250 people, 20 people, depending on where we call home. From suggesting Americans limit their travel to imposed curfews. We’re in takeout and delivery only, and self-quarantine. A week ago, we were on the incline of the rollercoaster; now we’re descending quickly down the other side.
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