sironmonger

Titles

We are a culture that is wrapped up in words, names, and titles. We like them. In school we are taught to memorize definitions. To read a book is in itself an exercise in brilliance, or so it seems. We can read all the books we want, claim all the titles we want, name all…… Continue reading Titles

Toothpaste

It was getting late. Empty wine bottles stood next to a pile of dirty dishes on the counter. Guests were leaving. All but one. Susan, Sherry’s mother, Herman’s mother-in-law, would be staying the night. This night and the next five. At least he didn’t use up all his small talk material on the first night,…… Continue reading Toothpaste

Our Only Resource

We only have so much time on this planet, and yet so much of it is squandered. We replay the events of the day in our minds and build them into something they are not, which is, anything other than a fleeting moment in time. How many opportunities to be present, to experience joy, are…… Continue reading Our Only Resource

Distractions

I slowed to a stop as I approached the red light. The Uber driver in Honda Civic that had passed me immediately after we departed from the set of lights four blocks back wasn’t fast enough to make this one and was already halted. Whether they liked it or not, they, like the black sedan…… Continue reading Distractions

Campfire

The fire began to fade long ago. Glowing embers were all that remained. The conversation too had faded. Three grown men, silently captivated by the dying spectacle. It was the way every night out there finished. A long day of fishing followed by a fire. There was an unspoken law they all unknowingly agreed that…… Continue reading Campfire

Face the Music

There comes a time in all of our lives when we are forced to face the music. To not only hear, but feel, experience, that which we have been dreading. It can come in many different shapes and forms. A lie exposed, a mistake uncovered, even an honest effort that missed it’s mark, it doesn’t…… Continue reading Face the Music

Deadlines

He hadn’t been outside in natural light in a decade, he barely slept, and he bruised easier than a ripe peach. It didn’t help that his breakfast consisted of an off-brand nutritional shake that followed the dietary recommendations of some country that believed potatoes to be the key to healthy bones. His lunch never deviated…… Continue reading Deadlines

Road Rash

I saw him as soon as I made my way around the bend. He was in the process of getting on his bike, but looked to be having some trouble sticking the mount. My first thought was that if he was having mechanical issues I would not offer my assistance. Mostly because I barely know…… Continue reading Road Rash

The Trial

*Note: Based on the Breon Mitchell translation. Includes spoilers. This book felt like a David Lynch film. A vague premise, unclear consequences, and transient characters that exist only to move the strange, disjointed narrative forward. It is as if Kafka threw all he wanted to address at a wall and left it for the reader…… Continue reading The Trial

Small Engine Mechanics

I called at 1:25 in the afternoon. Plenty of time after the conventional lunch hour to arrange an appointment. It rang four times, causing me to assume I would leave a voicemail. A good sign I thought, it meant they were busy. And then the dial tone was replaced my what sounded like muffled wind.…… Continue reading Small Engine Mechanics