The Smuggs Chronicle – Part Six
Haibun
Sixth day: August 23, 2013
We park next to a church-turned-community center near an inn on Rte. 100 — Stowe’s Main Street. It’s our second trip, and on the way to Mack Market we pass a woodcarver’s place. There, a wood, painted carving of a pouncing Catamount — non sale for $10,000 — stands on display in the front yard.
“I need that for the neighbors!” Mira laughs.
teeth baring
an embodiment of our mood
back home
The Black Coffee and Tea has a décor that features aged painted walls, couches and chairs and just enough lighting. A woman sits with her Macbook near the door. Bookshelves hold various worn-covered paperbacks.
We purchase a rich, chocolate pastry (for her) and a 14-ounce cup of medium roast (for me), then relax at a duce on the porch.
We won’t realize our mistake until it’s too late.
tasty respite…
across the street another
New England steeple
Time at Mountainside pool; time at Sycamore. Memories that blend together
August afternoon
another of Mira’s
gourmet creations
Friday. Family Karaoke. Frankie performs a single alone and a duet with David. Larry and I chat while others’ children belt out the same Taylor Swift single again and again.
Then Frankie takes the stage. He performs Imagine Dragons’ “It’s Time.” He hits every note — statuesque in his delivery. A singing head.
preteens dancing
Frankie shining alone in
karaoke light
The boys share their last night together at the Fun Zone. The Goodmans leave tomorrow.
We may not see them for two years.
half moon
their village shuttle
getting smaller
read from the beginning: Pre-Smuggs Insomnia, the Prequel
more by FRANK J. TASSONE
photograph by Josh Wilburne
