Patricia A. Nugent: Carpool Duet
“I have a good life. I’m financially secure. My kids have stayed married, and my grandkids are doing well. John and I are free to travel, to do whatever we … Continue reading
Patricia A. Nugent: Nothing Else Matters
Dear Friends of the Republic: These are the times that try our souls. Right now, in this United States of America, there must be one goal and one goal only: … Continue reading
Patricia A. Nugent: From Ugly to Mean
Travelogues don’t typically interest me. I cringe when I ask someone (just to be polite), “How was your trip?” and they give a blow-by-blow of the sights, activities, and food. … Continue reading
Patricia A. Nugent: Dangerous
“I think your conclusion is very dangerous,” he chided. I’ve never been accused of dangerous thinking before. Obsessive, maybe, but never dangerous. Especially by someone I respect as much as … Continue reading
Patricia A. Nugent: One Ticket to Safer Schools, Please
Last weekend, I bought a ticket to safer schools. I went to a high school musical. As I entered the halls of learning, I sensed the vulnerability of students there. … Continue reading
Patricia A. Nugent: Rush to Judgment
She shuffles up to me on the sidewalk, paper cup in hand. She speaks so softly, I can’t understand what she’s saying. I ask her to repeat it. “I’m homeless. … Continue reading
Patricia A. Nugent: Resurrecting Jesus
“…Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.” Bow head at His name. Finish the Hail Mary. Make the sign of the cross. Blow … Continue reading
Patricia A. Nugent: Only a Nazi Should be Called a Nazi
Drumming nervously on the steering wheel, I begin to mutter to myself. “C’mon, Renee. You told me 7:45, right? Actually, you demanded I pick you up precisely at 7:45. Well, … Continue reading
Patricia A. Nugent: (Everyone) Breaking Up is Hard to Do
Unamerica broke up with America on Election Day. It was messy, especially since Unamerica had violated the pre-nup written in 1776. Unamerica got tired of that black guy hanging around the … Continue reading
Patricia A. Nugent: Still Dead
I couldn’t recall when I’d last experienced similar symptoms. Churning in my stomach. Elusive rational thought. Inability to string words together coherently. Zombie-like motions. But I knew they felt familiar … Continue reading
Patricia A. Nugent: Trump May Do Some Good
“I really have to say that Donald Trump has done something that’s been very good for me.” I stare at her, unable to eke out a sound. Ellen and I … Continue reading
Patricia A. Nugent: Stains
A blend of green and orange fluid poured out of two-year old Clara’s mouth in a constant stream, puddling on the recently-shampooed carpet. Like an oil slick. She’d been … Continue reading
Patricia A. Nugent: Give Me Hill!
I’m uncomfortable when people pronounce Bernie Sanders unelectable. It unfairly dismisses his followers’ potential to succeed and short-circuits his right to promote his platform. If he’s the nominee, I want … Continue reading
Patricia A. Nugent: Socrates was a Flip-Flopper
A friend and I were celebrating his purchase of a home in Saratoga Springs, New York, toasting the occasion at a local establishment when another patron walked in. “Howie, … Continue reading
