Author Archives: 67steffen

The Adventures of Chartan: Just Say No

                (Last Sunday: The police find the teens. Chartan promises Gina that he will turn down Minerva’s job offer.)             “Talk to Thor,” said Minerva pushing back from the desk usually occupied by Sloan. Chartan, per custom, sat in front of the desk. Minerva stood up as Thor, only slightly taller than the widow, squeezedContinue reading “The Adventures of Chartan: Just Say No”

The Adventures of Chartan: Crossing off the List

                (Last Sunday: In a letter from Brazil to Chartan, the retired combat vet admits he lacks the courage to leave the war in the Ukraine. Chartan writes back asking his friend to return home.)             The day after Chartan mailed his letter to Brazil, a detective notified him that the missing teens were foundContinue reading “The Adventures of Chartan: Crossing off the List”

Poetry: The Shattered Old Man

The shattered old man has had it with wildfires, Covid and the Afghanistan follies. When first light pierces his eyes, he cocks his gun and squeezes the tigger From the cheap seats where he’s been watching a prima ballerina land en pointe. There’s applause but he can’t tell if it’s in front or behind theContinue reading “Poetry: The Shattered Old Man”

The Adventures of Chartan: Letters

(Last Sunday: Chartan struggles with how to get his life in balance when he gets a letter from Brazil who is fighting in the Ukraine.)             Chartan took the envelope carefully from Gina, as if it were fragile glass. He stared at the line of stamps along the top of the letter.             “Aren’t youContinue reading “The Adventures of Chartan: Letters”