By Peter Mladinic Baseball in Lea Some have not heard of a bunt. The slide is something on a guitar, the double play a cloud of mystery. You won’t find “I heart Ruth” in blue ink on a notebook’s face. Diamond takes a backseat to speedway. Gridiron and goalposts bring out the football in us. … Continue reading Baseball in Lea and Washington Senators
As Love Goes and Other Poems
By Peter Mladinic As Love Goes I loved a basketball player, Shay, I called her, she called herself. Shalonda. An unremarkable student in my classes, an unremarkable player, her team less than stellar. In a room with computers hulked along walls, a girl said, You come to our games, we go to your classes, started … Continue reading As Love Goes and Other Poems
Karaoke and Horticulture
By Peter Mladinic Karaoke Backyard sun and shadows and birds chirping takes me back to one birthday winter night at the Texas Lounge. We took turns at karaoke. At the mic I was attempting “Bernadette” as sung by the Four Tops. Shots of courage I’d gotten from the bar didn’t prevent my voice’s faltering, uncertain … Continue reading Karaoke and Horticulture
One Ninety One and Other Poems
By Peter Mladinic One Ninety One The road between Cutler and Lubec is gnarly. You’re the only traveler on it, that’s how you feel, solitary, like the road does and doesn’t want you there. On both sides, thin, sturdy, twisted dim thickets. You don’t want to stop on the roadside and go in. The thickets … Continue reading One Ninety One and Other Poems
Declawed Cats Shouldn’t Live Outdoors and Other Poems
By Peter Mladinic Declawed Cats Shouldn't Live Outdoors Put on an optimistic face. It’s the only way to meet oblivion. The blue t-shirt that reads Optimism. No one wants to sit In the cyber Café and think about oblivion Or in the movies before the coming attractions. Did you notice the beginnings of Public Enemies … Continue reading Declawed Cats Shouldn’t Live Outdoors and Other Poems
Academy of the Heart And Mind 