Rich passed the house of the woman who gave him directions. She sat on a lounge chair on her porch. Rich pulled the cart in her driveway and walked up to where she sat. “I see you found the store,”…
Just Another Sonnet Sunday; Long Road
As one walks along the cluttered road Take the time to earnestly consider What you convey is not a heavy load All one needs is enough for the next dinner To not impose a burden on others Only little…
A Call to Tim, Episode 102, Odysseys of Paradise
After 20 days of sailing, The Odyssey bucked the seas 30 miles off the northern tip of New Zealand. Rich planned on coming to shore and making contact with Tim, informing him of Ramona’s safe delivery to Reao. A close…
Tracking Loneliness, Episode 101, Odysseys of Paradise
Loneliness is a good time to sort through the troublesome things of life, to rearrange them. Most generally they are best kicked aside. Mulling over problems creates anxiety. Reliving past inequities turns a person into a frightful and regretful…
An Old Friend Visits, Episode 100, Odysseys in Paradise
Rich awoke before daybreak. He brewed a pot of coffee and sat at the chart desk amid a pale cabin light. He calculated the distance to Sydney. “About another 3800 miles to Sydney,” Rich murmured. “Maine to LA and then…
Just Another Sonnet Sunday; Forgotten Deaths
Young I was, when the fog hung low like gauze Quiet abounded over the little vale A sound atop the hill, we all paused Sounds of metal thunder, misery’s wail Up we climbed to see what was missed We…
The Song of Raivavae, Episode 99, Odysseys in Paradise
The course to Sydney stretched through the southernmost Polynesian atolls and just slightly beyond the very northern tip of New Zealand. Long and arduous sailing laid before Rich. Boredom lurked like a deadly plague. This would be a test for…
The Note, Episode 98, Odysseys in Paradis
Rich watched all the excitement from the porch. He stepped inside the house. He found a pencil and a piece of paper. He wrote, “Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding.” He…
More Than Pearls, Episode 97, Odysseys in Paradise
Rich eased the dinghy into the water. He tossed Ramona’s two bundles of clothing and belongings into the dinghy. He clasped her hand to help her into the dinghy. “How do I look?” Ramona said. “Like a princess,” Rich said.…
Just Another Sonnet Sunday; Days of Tall Trees
It was the days when the tall trees swayed It was time of running barefoot and free Puppies and dogs were the only friends made Herky and Splasher chasing trains and me Whittle wood away and silly songs sing…
The Prayer, Episode 96, Odysseys in Paradise
The Prayer The Odyssey sailed within a half mile of the shore to the village. “Stay in the cockpit,” Rich said. “I’ll take care of the sails myself. I don’t want you getting hurt the last minute.” “I’m going below…
I Am Home, Episode 95, Odysseys in Paradise
Rich stood on his toes atop the cabin’s roof and pointed over the bow, “Land Ho, Ramona! Reao dead ahead!” Ramona suddenly leaped from sitting on the bench in the cockpit and staggered along the side of the cabin. She…