The Summer of ‘98-A Short Story

I remember the summer of ‘98 like it was yesterday. The sun was a relentless tyrant, and the air was thick with the smell of cut grass and dusty sneakers. The neighborhood kids, a motley crew of preteens with scraped knees and boundless energy, spent every waking hour playing street soccer in front of old Mr. Atley’s house. He hated us, and we loved the thrill of annoying him. He was the grumpy Goliath, and we were the plucky Davids, a soccer ball our only sling. The best player on the street was Kevin. He was a year older than the rest of us, with a mop of sandy hair and a cocky grin. He was faster, more agile, and had a way of dribbling the ball that made it seem like an extension of his own foot. He knew it, too, and his constant showboating drove me crazy. I was a decent player, but Kevin always found a way to make me look like a clumsy oaf, stealing the ball from me with a quick flick of his ankle or nutmegging me with a cheeky grin. One day, our game intensified. It was just Kevi...

Close Relationships

Relationship are tough of that I know

Marriage more so I tender

I’m not a guru in this for sure

Failed at mine of course, can’t hide it though sore

Lessons I learned, some I can proffer


Goodwill stacks will help

Gentle words and initiatives paramount

Turbulent times expect

Dual commitment the way 

Harsh words are cruel 

Cordial arguments feasible, even in the worst of times


Personal attacks denounce 

Demonize actions and issues often, not the soul

Timeouts entreat, when hostilities at peak

Open mind of benefit 

Contempt and accusations anathema 

Blame games are lame, oh what evil pleasure it leaves 


Mutual respect why not 

Genuine compliments soften

Benefit of doubt not seldom 

Love dearly I beseech 

For all relationships are demanding 

Most will not last 

Few are forever 

Chart your own course indeed 


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