Drug Heaven and Hell (a poem)

It’s in our nature to rebel
And no cross can hold us down

In the empty church, the pastor screams
We all think it’s quite obscene
Then we tear the place down
Burn every last fucking piece to the ground

My mother told me Jesus would save me
And I thought of this as I put the needle
Deep in my skin and felt utter bliss
Who needs Jesus when you have
Drug heaven that turns into hell?

Continue reading “Drug Heaven and Hell (a poem)”

The Monk and the City that Loves Him: A Novella Project – Part 3

In the previous installment, we learn a bit more about The Monk and his background. He’s a legendary figure in the city and, despite his best attempts, he’s been struggling to get Louie and Tammy sober. Though he’s an odd character, people love him.

Let’s jump into Part 3, where we meet Tammy and learn of her struggles and the odds against her.

Continue reading “The Monk and the City that Loves Him: A Novella Project – Part 3”

The Monk and the City that Loves Him: A Novella Project – Part 2

In the previous installment, we meet the Monk and Louie, and Louie is withdrawing and desperate for his fix. The Monk caves in and gives Louie money to get heroin, not knowing what else to do.

Let’s jump into Part 2, where we learn about more about the Monk, a legendary figure in the city.

Continue reading “The Monk and the City that Loves Him: A Novella Project – Part 2”

The Darkness That I Transcend (a poem)

What is this beast that rises from the sludge?
My friend thinks it’s quite amazing
It’s obvious that I have misjudged
The beast’s insatiable cravings

It has swallowed my family whole
In one terrifying gulp
Now it will not let up control
Our insanity is the result

Continue reading “The Darkness That I Transcend (a poem)”

Morning in the Desert (a poem)

Watching the horizon, bright sun rising above
baking the desert this lonely morning

I came here for mystical union, total silence
but the mighty sun cares not this morning

What of the Desert Fathers, who searched for love
retreated to their cells in the morning?

Did they unlock secrets, away from violence
find perfect solitude in quiet mornings?

I’ve read their books, listened to their tales,
but the words escape me this morning

I want my eyes to be removed of scales,
like St. Paul seeing Jesus in the morning

Continue reading “Morning in the Desert (a poem)”

Time for Rehab (flash fiction)

Here’s a piece of flash fiction I cooked up about going to rehab at the worst possible time. Enjoy!

It was all too much for Grayson.

On the TV screen, images of car bombs exploding in the nation’s capital and other various cities triggered his anxiety. Nothing was happening in his city – Philadelphia – just yet, but it was only a matter of time.

“Do we have any left?” Grayson asked his girlfriend, Thea.

“No,” she said. “I’m putting my foot down this time. Now is not the time to be doing Anvil. Look, I know you’re freaked out, but let’s just chill.”

Continue reading “Time for Rehab (flash fiction)”