Author: Frank J. Tassone

peaces of grilled chicken in a pan 0

Two Nighttime Tastes

I savor the flavor of the first bite of freshly grilled chicken. And yet, somehow, I simultaneously taste the plain slice of pizza that I ate over two hours ago. Autumn Night moistening my...

man walking in abandoned graffiti building 0

Final Debrief

The air conditioner in his office is off, its faceplate still missing. No chairs, so Fran and I stand, answering his questions. Then he and I speak alone. No heated words, this time. No...

man standing in the rain at night 0

Another Conflicted Surrender?

It’s time to let YABC go. More than time. So why do I grasp it until I’m numb? rising light everything I let go has claw marks Photo by Steve Halama

man sitting in conference room overlooking a city 0

An Unanticipated Argument

After a long meeting that followed a longer day, Susan P. and I approach Mr. J. He says that our program is “out of compliance.” He won’t say how he knows, just that I...

a desk with computer crowded with sheet music 0

Unannounced Departure

There are fresh mouse turds near my workstation, beside piles of excess papers next to Jaimie’s former workstation. We found out that she took a position at Briarcliff schools last Friday. Jaimie had urged...

ceiling fan in a hotel room 0

First Morning, School year ’14-15

Almost an hour later, the coffee maker still gurgles. Evening crickets slowly stop. Morning grasshoppers pick up. The sky brightens. Soon enough, I’m ready to shower. Another work year begins, yet I still sit...

deck with chairs overlooking a green field 0

Labor Day ‘14

Waiting for rain that hasn’t come. Above the passing cumulus clouds, a prop plane. The gentlest tremble of maple leaves in a breeze too light to stir the wind chime. Mira reads. Frankie, too—or...

glass of red wine with a plate of steak 0

’14 Summer Swansong (part 5)

August 31st Louis’ steaks cook perfectly. I see the pink interior of the half of one that I fork onto my plate. The juices fill my mouth as I close lips around that first...

peach tree with ripe fruit near a gazebo 0

’14 Summer Swansong (part 4)

August 29th We pass the peach and apple groves as we make our way across the Boscobel estate. Locate an ideal spot upon which to picnic on which on the great lawn overlooking the...

family of three walking on the beach at sunset 0

’14 Summer Swansong (part 3)

August 27th The water covers our ankles, and it’s still cold after a summer’s worth of sun. A few steps in, and waves crash against our knees. The undertow pulls and pulls. Frankie soon...

rollercoaster at sunset 0

’14 Summer Swansong (part 2)

August 25th The car rattles up the first hill, reaches the top, then ever so slowly passes over it. Wheels thunder on iron rails, while screams arise from passengers, as it rushes down. Mira...

statue of liberty and world trade center new work 0

’14 Summer Swansong (part 1)

More than a week has passed. Out of a two-month summer vacation, two days remain. Impressions: last bitter taste of morning coffee cicada song August 23rd We take the mandatory photo at the Statue...