LOUD VOICES

Health

  • 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

  • Life Expectancy

    It’s official. I’ve got 10.6 years left of this most interesting life. At least, that’s what the U.S. Social Security Administration says. Of course, I’m saying all this while ignoring the fine print, the part about my current health, lifestyle,… Continue reading

    Life Expectancy

  • B l a n k

    Dedicated to all those who suffer from memory loss. Memories holding on Without them I am Blank They keep me Alive Joy Anger Without them I am Blank Memories They keep me from going mad I am nothing without them… Continue reading

    B l a n k

  • Resolutions

    I’ve made my one resolution for 2026. I will have no resolutions What’s the point? I’m just going to break them in one week or one month or somewhere around May when it begins to get L.A. weather lovely, and… Continue reading

    Resolutions

  • i dent i ty

    The following was inspired by the book The Other Latin@: Writing Against a Singular Identity, edited by Blas Falconer and Lorraine M. Lopez. who am i there are so many names according to themthose people who build the labelswrite the… Continue reading

    i dent i ty

  • 7   7

    December 8, 2025, marks my 77 rotations around the sun. The number 7 7 An angel number, I read it somewhere A powerful sign, I read it somewhere A spiritual awakening And Divine guidance, I read it somewhere I read… Continue reading

    7   7

  • Closed Shut

    I don’t see nothing I don’t want to see I don’t need to think to solve problemsI don’t want to solve I don’t ask questions to receive answers I don’t want to hearIt’s easier this wayThe pain is sometimes too… Continue reading

    Closed Shut

  • When in Doubt, Reboot

    There’s a favorite bit of advice in our household that was first delivered by our son at a young age. He always advised us to reboot whenever we had an issue with our computer, phones, or television. “When in doubt,… Continue reading

    When in Doubt, Reboot