The Angst of Narcissism

“So, I got an odd message from you know who yesterday.” “Oh, really. What now?” “He says that he doesn’t want to see you.” “What does that mean…


Rules of Engagement, Part 2

“Put your tongue out, pig. Or should I say dog?” Kurt grabbed the tip and stretched. Without letting go, he flicked his cigarette so ashes dropped on…


On Nietzsche: Farewell to the Working Class

featured image by Carolina Barros It happened by chance one morning in October last year, the day I attended my first job interview. An incident that…


The Beast

Thomas crept out of the tent that had been his home for the past two months and took a deep breath, allowing the December air, redolent with the…


The Dog Philosophers

The sun was as lazy, on this day, as those upon whom it bestowed its light. The aging, weather-beaten fence provided pleasant shade in the hours…


Charlie Christian Auditions for Benny Goodman, August 1939

Mary Lou Williams had told John Hammond, a well-known producer and talent scout for Columbia Records, nearly four months earlier about Charles…


Delicious Ankles

The thing waited under the bed for another night in a row. “Gonna get me some o’ them delicious ankles,” it sang to itself in a voice that it thought…


Black Blood

"Jesus, if I survive this, I won't board the night bus again.” These were the words I muttered as the driver of the twelve-seater bus I was in…


Spurious Fountain in the Plaza de La Libertad

This spurious fountain in the Plaza de la Libertad, Burgos capital, in the background on the left Calle de La Puebla, and on the parapet two young…


Why I Don’t Run Away Anymore, Part 2

I snuck out of my room, down the hall, through the kitchen, and out of the house. I ran to the garage and jumped on my bike and rode it through our…