Living on the streets, She gave everything to survive. Crushed by a car, She rose from the grave. Scavenging and scrimping for food, A mother’s love filled her kitten's bellies. Building trust with snacks, We almost became friends. One day she was gone, But her toughness will never die. I will miss that girl, She meant the world to me. — pc

Boiling Summer Pasadena, CA, June 2020 With an hour to go, I begin my pre-work ritual at exactly 6:30 PM. Taking over the kitchen with religious commitment, I banish my starving family to the other 95% of the house. My wife and daughter throw out “Toxic-Muscularity” hand grenades over their…

Grand Rapids, MI 1980 The neighborhood I grew up in was a vast community of multi-generational immigrants. On our tranquil street, the far corners of the world were well represented. …

Detroit, MI 1975 I was born in Motown when Diana Ross and The Supremes ruled the city of Detroit. Growing up, we lived each day for the school year to end. …

Pasadena, CA 2020 I’m not too fond of the dark; horrible stuff always happens in the shadows. For that reason, I doubt I’d like Hell, either. I have heard from reliable sources that it sucks down there. During my tortured childhood, the Devil moved into my bedroom closet. It was…

Chicago, 1985–2007 I was born in Detroit in the sixties, but the north side of Chicago built me into who I am today. Most of the construction happened in a small rudimentary concrete gym on the third floor of a dilapidated warehouse. Owned by a community of religious hippy zealots…

Naked Man Hollywood, CA 2008 In the old days, craigslist ads for actors or “talent” can stretch for virtual miles. Naturally, to be selected from the thousands of actors submitting for any particular role could be misconstrued as a significant career accomplishment. …

La Cueva del Hombres Los Angeles, 2020 Somewhere around 111th Street and Hawthorne Boulevard, I try to find a parking spot. It is impossible. On the curb, cars take up every square inch of legal parking. You can’t slip a piece of paper between the shiny bumpers. …

Chicago, 1980s In the old days, the community’s holy proprietors influenced every aspect of each member’s life. Your work assignment was the first mandate handed out to the incoming spiritual seekers, former addicts, and repentant criminals. …