The Ball Cap (Short Story) - 1/7/2016 8:25:46 AM
I can only assume that this is a true encounter because it is so authentic. I only wish that you had approached the man and talked to him in his lonely sojourn (perhaps he is a widower?) with his meatloaf. Since he was wearing the cap announcing his service, it meant that he was proud of serving and wanted to show it. I believe that men like that want to tell people about what they experienced before they are no longer here and can no longer tell anyone.
The last time I saw my uncle who is now 96 and served for 20 years from 1941 in the Air Force, I knew little of his service during World War II, so I asked him. I was surprised to find that during the entire war, he never left the United States, it was only much later that he served as a consultant in Vietnam. He never saw battle of any kind.
Ron
The Ball Cap (Short Story) - 1/7/2016 3:09:53 AM
Your short story captured much: rough times, hard knocks, and the valor of a Veteran whom we can only speculate about, but be grateful to.
The Glory of the Past and the Commotion of the Present (Short Story) - 12/30/2015 5:35:47 AM
Your article certainly touches on concerns, some of which are fads and will pass with time. I often refer to Socrates who was quoted as saying that the younger generation was going to hell or something to that affect.
Wikipedia and Google are rapidly making the need for libraries and reference books, encyclopedias and dictionaries obsolete. I can now find accurate information in less than five minutes that would take me hours going to a library. On the Internet we can have access to master teachers like our own AD piano teacher Shirley Kirsten. The classics that you mention can be read anywhere and anytime without having to have them in your library or go get them at the library.
We are now connected to a global village. Where long-distance calling used to be prohibitive, we can now conference with friends, business associates, and family in real-time the world over. We have access to data like never before and powerful calculating tools that required whole books of tables. Sure, there are distractions and problems, but they pale in the shadow of progress.
The older generation always has difficulty with change. Each new generation accepts new technology with ease.
Ron
The Glory of the Past and the Commotion of the Present (Short Story) - 12/30/2015 3:34:01 AM
I wholeheartedly agree with the points you make. May the written word bound in books--paper or digital, still persevere. Attention span may have dwindled, but the need to connect with something that resonates is still there: romance, fantasy, etc.
Ever and Anon (Poetry) - 12/22/2015 7:14:11 AM
Your poetry is very vibrant and alive. The images are outstanding!
Ron
