Many thanks to editor Ramesh Pillay at Matchbook Lit for his excellent editorial suggestions, which were so important in a story as short as this one is. Or is it a story? Judge for yourself by reading it here.

“Love” may be a piece in which sound is important. I like to read this one aloud, and will do so in NYC on 6/1. If you’re local, head on over to KGB Red Room, 85 E 4th St, where I’ll be helping to celebrate my friend Paul Beckman’s book release for Kiss Kiss. I’m going to read one of Paul’s stories, and then one or two of my own.

Sometimes I explain things in these blog journals, but Matchbook allows for an author’s note, so you can read my thoughts at the magazine.  I enjoy the layout of Matchbook stories — so square and sparse and lovely.

A good way to know if it’s warm enough to plant a Kentucky Wonder bean is to go and stand barefoot in the garden dirt for five minutes without getting cold. Kentucky means something like land of tomorrow. I love that, like I love flipping through my dead father’s old Exotica. I am now married for twenty-five years. Our secret is only one person at a time can be crazy. I ordered a copy of The New Sylva for our arborist son. Here’s what I think: R. W. Emerson was on to something when he said there are but ten minutes in the life of a pear when it is perfect to eat.

One thing I can add: this was prompted by Kathy Fish in one of her legendary “Fast Flash” workshops. The prompt was to begin with image of something close-up (the radish in hand under running water) and the pan out in a way that evokes an emotion. Vegetable and flower gardens have always been meaningful places in my life, as a marriage blooms over time.

Matchbook Lit is a wonderful journal and the journal publishes one story “of indeterminate prose” every two weeks. I am happy to offer this indeterminate bit of hybrid fiction/nonfiction, prose/poetry and become part of their history.