Family and Other Strangers

These twenty short stories and ten poems cover many situations and environments:"e;The Star Ruby."e; Precocious and nasty with reason, a young girl covets her grandma's ring."e;The General's Darlings."e; A resourceful soldier starts a chorus and is amazed to discover it's become important to him."e;High Ground."e; A boy rides from Chicago to Indiana to bring back Thanksgiving poultry with his brother-in-law and an African-American."e;Uncommon Versatility."e; An artist of many styles who looks like Sasquatch."e;Julie's Retirement."e; He retires and settles things after being feted by strangers."e;His Secret Place."e; Seeking enlightenment in all the wrong places."e;Skin Deep."e; She uniquely escapes abuse."e;Family Traditions."e; A woman attends a reunion amid painful memories."e;Reflections."e; Retribution and horror in an American town."e;Shirley's Story."e; A lascivious man learns to curb his appetite."e;A Two-Christmas Story."e; Will love conquer despair and stubborn ethical positions?"e;Lost and Found."e; What happens when a pet alligator is left in a taxicab?"e;Theodora's Mirage."e; A Death Valley trip and a new driver's terror in a bitter battle of wits."e;Like Clockwork."e; A wealthy middle-aged woman marries an avaricious young man."e;Genevieve's Maturity."e; Parents help their daughter choose to control over her own destiny."e;Anna Are You Mine at Last?"e; He lost Anna to another, but can he win her back?"e;Ben and the Dragon."e; A clever young man perpetuates a fairy tale."e;Missing Ariel."e; First the son, now the wife is missing, but will they find her before evil does?"e;The Sports Car Rally."e; He's unprepared for the surreal feeling of turning over in an open car, and its aftermath."e;When Half-Spent Was the Night."e; A man learns his effect on peace after years of regret.The poetry, too, captures different moods."e;Final Garden."e; A gardener's lament after starting from scratch too many times."e;Conversation With My Cat."e; Admiration for a friend, and a curious desire."e;Old Lion by the Riverbank."e; How he copes once past his prime."e;Overlooked Crop."e; A serendipitous find."e;Last Visitor."e; A mystic vision of a desirable end to things."e;Old Songs"e; (SETI at Home). The wonder of celestial eavesdropping."e;Solo Walk."e; Missing a lover who has gone."e;Sanctuary."e; Rejoicing at home after braving the elements."e;Revolution."e; About adoration and love."e;Loss of the First Mate."e; About a loved one who has passed away.