Author Archives: jackpelham

“An animal doesn’t defecate in its own den.”That’s what Uncle Bill said―though I can’t vouchThat these were the exact words he usedIn that conversation about the best placementFor our makeshift latrine at “The Camp”. He seemed to suggest that what … Continue reading →

It was a simple mistake, really.Having surrounded themselvesThoroughly with church,They had assumed themselvesSurrounded with God.

Knowing you’re supposed to be like JesusAnd wanting to be like JesusAre not even remotely the same thing.

The young buck, at 16 years old,Follows suit after I’ve shaken his father’s hand,And introduces himself, arm outstretchedAnd prepared to put the vice-grip on me,Chest puffed out like a silverback,And his brow furled with a seriousnessBefitting the death of a … Continue reading →

I hate to admit it after all these years, butI suppose I have found that miraculous free timeFor which everyone longs―That time with which―if we had it―We would all do those wonderful things That need doing, and upon which the … Continue reading →

The world wants a loveThat will neither call it higher,Nor expect it to do better than it does.

He would eventually figure it out―All that gaslighting and turning of tables.

I will briefly tell you a single thingAbout the nature of us That will itself explain to youMany things about this troubled world―Provided you will but take the thing For a walk from time to timeAnd let it have its … Continue reading →

This man understood some thingsOr a sort most will never Lift a finger to understand. Most, then, will never know How many fingers he had to liftTo get the understanding he got. And it’s like this with more than just … Continue reading →