Benchwarmers

It’s cold out

The wind is so bitter you get a headache Glad I’m not outside

I’m stuck here working

See the old man come in

Looking half scared of the unpredictable automatic doors Probably lives across the street

His wife is either dead or boring

So he comes here to chat with his friends

Pours himself a cup of our lousy complimentary coffee I wish we gave away good coffee

Takes him about an hour to mix the sugar and cream in But what else would he be doing right now?

Sits down on the bench inside

Makes me think how nice it would be to sit out in the sun on

a real bench

He looks around and of course he knows someone Lights some crazy home-rolled killer tobacco Never seen a man like him smoke anything mild

He flirts and winks at all the staff Turns to his buddies

Probably discusses the weather and how the world is going to

Hell

I bet if he and I discussed the world going to Hell, or even

the weather... I’d probably feel like it was my fault Although I’d enjoy the conversation

I get to go home now

Punch out, grab my jacket, light some pansy cigarette and exchange sympathetic glances with my replacement Walk past the old character, smile and nod

He gives me a big greeting which I can’t make out but I really appreciate

‘‘HowsyouthereoldfellahahacoldoutthereGodalmightyyesseeyoulaterokay’’

That’s the best

He’ll be there for an hour or so I’ll see him again next time I work Chances are he’Il be the same

I might be in a bad mood or be sick or be happy or something

big will be on my mind But when I walk past him It will be the same

Count on that

-Dan MacCormac

First political speech

first, in the first place, to begin with, secondly, in the first place, lastly

again, also, in the next place, once more, moreover, furthermore, likewise, besides, similarly, for example, for instance, another

then, nevertheless, still, however, at the same time, yet, in spite of that, on the other hand, on the contrary

certainly, surely, doubtless, indeed, perhaps, possibly, probably, anyway, in all probability, in all likelihood, at all events, in any case

therefore, consequently, accordingly, thus, as a result, in consequence of this, as might be expected

the foregoing, the preceding, as previously mentioned

Recollection

A woman’s hair being thrown freely about in the wind conjures up images of a mythical Aphrodite. Rather, this was no goddess, but a face that bespoke of inner kindness and a sweet- ness that any man would gladly desire to see.

Suddenly, the trance was broken. Had I envisioned a beautiful human being or was this sensation like the lingering smell of perfume; its poignancy forever escaping your grasp. How will I ever know? ;

as already stated

-Eli Mandel

-G. Anderson

Justice

Conniving, deceptive, sly

Young, innocent, gullible,

or so the story goes.

A trick,

a mean trick;

according to one side.

A mere suggestion,

no harm intended;

contradicts the other.

And so the trial continues.

One witness,

a single pawn in a vicious fight and not much help to either side. Both parties face each other,

with bitter looks and angered faces. The judge calls order to the court, the parties cower in shame.

‘*The court,’’ bellows the judge, “finds both parties guilty.’’ Sullenly the parties drop their heads. Adam, Eve and the devil,

leave the courtroom...

And Eden prospers silently.

-Yvonne MacKean