Author Archives: Al

xiv Friday, the traditional end of a ski week, found us taking the Big Burn lift all the way to the top of the mountain. It was my graduation day, when I would finally stretch my wings away from the … Continue reading →

viii During October, 1969, I felt calmer, more sedate. The campus had settled down, everyone back to work it seemed. The Faculty finally voted to condemn the war. Bev,  Jeanne, and  I found a domestic rhythm at 119 Oxford Street. … Continue reading →

iv A few miles out of town, we meandered up a valley road, then drove along a hillside to a rutted dirt double track. Mike eased the car to a stop at a boxy house covered with vertical honey-colored cedar … Continue reading →

CHAPTER SIX If I Could Only Stop My Mind August, 1969 Mike’s parents went out to Snowmass the last two weeks of August to inspect their newly-built retirement cabin, which meant he and I had his house to ourselves when … Continue reading →

viii Mike showed up Friday afternoon, carrying Dylan’s new album, Nashville Skyline. On my little suitcase record player, the understated instruments and Dylan’s softened voice were right at home. “This came out on my birthday. When you told me not … Continue reading →

iv Wednesday was Mike’s birthday. I had planned on calling him that evening, in anticipation of a weekend together in Cambridge. Coming out of psych lab, I daydreamed about what I’d say, what kind of card I’d make for him. … Continue reading →

CHAPTER FIVE  Let’s Not Demand So Much Of Every Single Moment March, 1969 Priscilla said, “Boom!” every time her daughter, Kimberly, knocked down the blocks. After only three tries Kimmie started giggling as she mouthed, “Bmm-m-m”, crashing the three-high stack … Continue reading →

xi That languid week after Labor Day, Mike and I spent most afternoons at his house or mine. Walking around my neighborhood, sitting on the edge of his pool, packing for school, we caught each other up on our summers. … Continue reading →