Philip F. Clark: The Beggar’s Welcome
He stopped and asked if I could spare some change. I thought, Oh yes, I could spare so much: another job, a new home, other clothes, better weather, more chances, … Continue reading
Philip F. Clark: A Walk on Ferry Beach, Maine
What a December—with its hot surprise! The stretch of beach alive with a fat sun, like an eye, as we strolled, dogs running to the water’s edge— feeling that same … Continue reading
Philip F. Clark: The Drone
The vindictive screech seeps from televisions, millions of them like bright eyes in a dark wood. A child works on an old computer, struggling with his common core. A mother … Continue reading
Philip F. Clark: The Day I Became a Papi Chulo
It was my usual walk from work, in suit and tie, tired from the day. I approached the ballpark. They came toward me, laughing—a gang of about five energized, jeering, … Continue reading
Philip F. Clark: Learning
Be a man, he said.
And so I’ve tried.
Fight like a man, he said
I’ve loved men like a man,
instead.
Philip F. Clark: The Fathers
I steadied you in the bathroom as you pissed, drunk and shaking. I was the only one who would make sure you didn’t fall. You kept talking about the friends … Continue reading
Philip F. Clark: Lacrimosa
Where I grew up, wakes were a sparring ground— furor was the only defense to grief. Someone had to fight the rant of all those flowers. That is how … Continue reading
Vox Populi 