Category: Memoir
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K. Snippets of Gratitude
With a grim nod, W.S. slipped around me to withdraw a book from the mahogany bookcase. “This–– this was my late sister-in-law’s child.” He handed it over. ‘Ribbons of Steel: The Story of the Northern Alberta Railways.’ I leafed through. The photos were sharp, and the paper was high-quality. On the overleaf of the dustjacket…
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J. Of Beauty and the Bestial (con’d)
As in an art gallery, one could keep moving along the cordons or momentarily linger before the galleries. The models were arranged on softly lit pedestals–– each accompanied by a description of the biological functions displayed. Some models were stripped down to artfully reveal a particular bodily system (circulatory, digestive, skeletal et. al.). Exhibits that…
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J. Of Beauty and the Bestial (intro.)
Introduction: With apologies to real scholars–– the title of this set of thematic pieces was derived from a rudimentary reading of Aristotle’s ‘Metaphysics’: In it, he referenced ‘kalon’ [beauty] as that which reflects harmony and symmetry. Such harmony and symmetry are most readily manifested in the natural world. For example, in beholding a beautiful landscape one can…
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H. Dead Time Reveries (intro.)
Introduction: 10 hours a week of driving to and from work (1993-2015) is probably a low average for most urban commuters. While the time I spent behind the wheel over 25 years in greater Vancouver was certainly no more onerous that that suffered by fellow wage-slaves, I still wonder how many others sometimes found themselves…
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H. Dead Time Reveries (con’d)
Driving back at 10:15 PM through the Lougheed Highway traffic, I shuddered in the whoosh of the ongoing headlights. If a tire should burst–– not a chance to avoid a head on collision! Along with that grim apprehension, I was jolted by an image of a smashed-up body in a crushed car, pushing away the…
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F. Scraps of Memoir from Afar (intro.)
“Who’s the guy?” the bald man asked in heavily accented English as Brandee broke away. “My friend who’s going to Africa.” “Africa?” He shouted above the din, “What to Christ for are ya goin’ to Africa?” “He’s a teacher,” said Brandee, lighting a cigarette. Mugging a scowl, the heavyset man reached out as if to…
Coprolites in Amber (etc.) 