Author Archives: joannejagoda

I try to recall
cousin Cynthia’s second husband
you know…what’s-his-name
or that actor from Breaking Bad

but names elude me
hover just beyond reach
wily fugitives
from my once impeccable memory

An older man in khakis and a Giants cap sits on a bench
in late afternoon sun
outside Whole Foods on Telegraph Avenue
meticulously stacking
slices of whole wheat bread
then placing one on a napkin

Never ready, when the father wants to hit the road, they’re not speaking, when he pulls outinto San Francisco fog, thick as a blanket.At the toll booth, the kids skirmishover who gets to hand the man the quarter.The girl, twelve, frizzy haired, gangly and awkwardis yet to ripen and hates everything about herself.The boy, sitting shotgun,Continue reading “The Two Week Vacation”