Baptism and Resurrection Imjin River, Korea August 1952 Korea: August 21, 1952. Lt. Theiss, our platoon leader told me to go to Massey, our armorer. He will put a bunkerbomb together, and tell me how to deploy it. Our platoon was gong to wade up the Imjin River, cross a sandbar then destroy a bunker… Continue reading Baptism and Resurrection
Senescence
Senescence If he needs a walker for his feet, Will he need a catheter to excrete? Who is the weasel that stole his cane? This nursing home has become insane. His wrinkles become deeper, As the stairways become steeper. What is that you just said? My… Continue reading Senescence
Jake the Legend
Jake the Legend Jennings Street Market, The Bronx 1942 His establishment was adjacent to The Family Shoe Store. As far as I was concerned Jake had no address, no building number, just a street name. This cherry-cheeked gnome’s venue with his wife beside him was an 8’ space on the sidewalk in Jennings Street Market.… Continue reading Jake the Legend
The Bubble Burst
The Bubble Burst Chorwon Valley, Korea 1952 Korea, Tuesday, August 5th, 1952. The 2nd and 3rd platoons gathered around Lt. Sidney, our company commander. “This Friday we’re going to raid Hill 117. The 3rd platoon will provide the base of fire, and I will lead the 2nd platoon in the attack. It’s flat ground with… Continue reading The Bubble Burst
My Friend Bucky
My Friend Bucky Indian town Gap, PA October 1951 Had there not been a Korean War, we never would have met. On October, 1951, we were brought together in basic training by his performance, or the lack of it during calisthenics. After a number of taxing drills, a brawny sergeant on a podium ordered us to… Continue reading My Friend Bucky
Insulated Liners For Company L
Insulated Liners For Company L Chorwon Valley, Korea September 1952 It was mid-September. Sayonara sweltering heat. My T-shirt was as brown as the bottom of the trench outside my bunker. The buttons on my fatigue shirt were to become reacquainted with their loopholes as autumn was stealthily sneaking up on us. I heard about the Korean winter… Continue reading Insulated Liners For Company L
Far Away Places With Strange Sounding Names
Far Away Places With Strange Sounding Names Pacific Ocean January, 1952 The aches and pains of basic training, the lack of sleep, unpalatable food, and harassment came to an end. During my two-week delay-en-route I felt like a civilian again. Elaine promised to write. Although her boobs were small and cute, as far as I… Continue reading Far Away Places With Strange Sounding Names
Welcome to Korea!
Incoming WP Round My second day on line in Korea. In lower right hand corner our medic, Doc Carey prepares to go to the bunker near the white phosphorus mortar round. Welcome to Korea Chorion Valley, Korea March, 1952 No employable skills, no job, twenty-years-old what is my future? Soon, President Truman determined my future. He continued… Continue reading Welcome to Korea!
My PURPS
My Purps Spring Valley, NY 1981 Friday afternoon, the bell rang for the end of period eight. After teaching five classes, the male faculty at Jane Addams High School left for the gym. Full-court basketball was on our schedule. Losers sit, winners remain on the court for the next game. Games over. We dragged ourselves… Continue reading My PURPS
From Racks to Tracks
A brass monument dedicated to the immigrants who slaved in the Garment District. From Racks to Tracks The Bronx 1948 I first met my high school guidance counselor in 1948, my senior year. “You’re passing all your subjects”, he said and congratulated me for having varsity football on my permanent record card. Without the foresight… Continue reading From Racks to Tracks