Aging

  • daydreaming of home

    i remember little a fogged memory south bronx coming from rican dominican roots. the patterson projects john adam housesa child into a teenager dates days places people their names have faded away like the clouds i would stare at through… Continue reading

    daydreaming of home
  • Momma Julia

    The following is a fictional narrative inspired by a writing prompt in my Playwriting class at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). We were asked to view several photos, choose one, and write a character description and narrative based on… Continue reading

    Momma Julia
  • All the Stuff in my Brain

    AgingThe Iran WarThe peacefulness of an empty beachWhat the hell is going on in the Middle EastThe roses blooming in our backyardMy recent stroke and all the rehab and medical appointments I must attendThe number of people, including my wife,… Continue reading

    All the Stuff in my Brain
  • Meditations

    My recent stroke has left my brain struggling to find words to put into my voice. However, I rest confidently that both my brain and my voice are still functioning, if not fully connected. It has made me realize, once… Continue reading

    Meditations
  • golden tequila hangovers

    The following poem was originally written in 1994, when Tequila was my poison of choice. I have been sober for fifteen years this coming September 11. wake up/if you canrolling over/from one deadday/into the nextyour moutha dirt filled trench/shoveled with/bad… Continue reading

    golden tequila hangovers
  • This Moment

    In a moment (this moment or another?)I can see…feel…a shock of electricitypassing through my brain…conscious that it is only a momentpassing throughI am passing throughthis place…this time …to nowhere…not surebut passing throughnever to return again …and then…the moment is gone. Continue reading

    This Moment
  • An Interesting Life

    I’ve often said that at seventy-seven, I’ve lived an interesting life.An understatement. It’s times like now when you look back at your life. Celebrate the victories. Learn from the failures. I often think about where I was born and raised.… Continue reading

    An Interesting Life
  • Catching Memories

    It’s strange what you miss when you have a stroke. One moment, your mind is full of so many memories that you can’t recall them all. The next, poof, gone.You must truly want to remember one to make it a… Continue reading

    Catching Memories
  • Searching for Words

    Something changes in you when your brain breaks. A stroke. Even a mild one. If there is such a monster. Inside, you see, feel, and hear the world as you remember it before February 25, 2026.Speaking loudly. Performatively. Your seventy-seven… Continue reading

    Searching for Words
  • Broken Brain

    On February 25th, I had a mild stroke caused by a blockage in the left carotid artery. I experienced memory loss and had difficulty finding words when speaking. I felt confused and didn’t understand what was happening.  That day, I… Continue reading

    Broken Brain