Stories

A runaway orphan boy loses himself in a primeval American forest and, on the brink of death, is saved by the animals living there. As he recovers he finds that the animals have saved him for a reason, a reason that makes his life worth living. It seems like a fable that might have taken place in Africa, or India, a hundred years ago, but although this boy was not raised by apes or wolves, his story in contemporary America is even stranger. Be warned, however, that although this tale has many joyous moments, there is sorrow here as well, sorrow for the boy, and for the many who came to love him.

An athletic high-school senior and a studious freshman form an unusual friendship.

Matt and Jeff have volunteered to help out at the school Fair For Life. As usual with his boyfriend, there's a small catch involved, and Matt has let Jeff talk him into accepting it. That he might regret it is almost certain!

A short story written seven years ago, one of the first I ever posted anywhere.

A young man in reluctant thrall to his burgeoning sexuality. A best friend who doesn't understand why he's been pushed away. Two other young men, who may or may not be related, in the throes of a weird-but-friendly competition. A baseball card and a shell necklace and a reefer before the storm. A ruined shotgun shack. And, lastly, a psychedelic patchwork quilt. What do these things have in common? Free love.

A story of what might have been if only I had known then what I know now. . .

Characters:

Dan, 15 years old, confused about his sexuality.
Dad, 40 years old, more understanding and compassionate than most dads of that era.
Joseph, Dan’s friend, same age, perhaps more aware of his sexuality than Dan.

There is so much wishful thinking in this story. I wish every gay/straight/bisexual/confused/questioning young person, male or female, could have this kind of understanding and support.

Fifteen year old Sammy Day finds acceptance and love on a baseball field.
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Andy and Donnie have been friends since the beginning, growing up in the same neighborhood, sharing the same friends, and now playing football on the same team in middle school. They’ve been inseparable throughout it all; but now a new line has been inserted in the equation that is their lives, one they have to learn to deal with, or face having their friendship perish:

Love.

Boccaccio's Decameron, a story of renewal and recreation in defiance of a decimating pandemic, relates how ten self-isolated Italians pass the time regaling each other with tall tales during the Black Plague. While Covid19 wasn't nearly as decimating, the opportunity for such entertainment did exist. As a takeoff on that idea, this short story might well be a modern version of one of the tales, recounting events of earlier, less stressful times.

Adam is a 14 year old boy living in a commune in the wilds of Oregon. The story deals with events during the summer as he becomes sexually aware and involved with Gabriel, who is a couple of months older.

A series of poems exploring friendship.