Welcome To My Blog

 

To help you select the stories and poetry you might want to read, below is the list of all posts made to my blog since its inception. Posts are listed in chronological order from the first post made on April 18, 2019, until the most recent post (The most recent post appears first on the blog). Please browse the list of posts to find the titles that most intrigue you. Then do one of the following:

 

1.         Place the title of the post in the space beneath the header, “Search This Blog.” With regard to poetry, a post may contain more than one poem. You may have to insert the first two poems listed to find what you want. Then click on search. The posting should appear at the top of the screen for you to read. Or . . .

 

2.         Using the date a particular posting was made, go to the “Blog Archive” to the right of the posts and click on the particular month in which the poem or short story was posted and scroll down until you find what you would like to read. Please note that if you scroll through all the posts on the screen and don’t find what you are looking for, below the last post on the screen, on the right, are the words, “Older Posts.” Click on this and you will find the additional posts made during the particular month you have selected. Scroll through these until you find the story or poem you wish to read.

 

Enjoy the journey, as you read the creations of my heart and my mind.

 

Thank you.

 

Alan

Alan Lowe
Poet and Writer

slolowe@icloud.com

https://slolowe44.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

 

People dream of becoming wealthy, as it will shape their lives in the way they desire.

 

But money is not the only way to accomplish the dream. There are other ways to determine if . . .

 

 

You’re Rich

 

Wealth comes in many forms, shapes, and sizes.

It can occur when least expected, so be aware and enjoy the prizes.

 

Partnerships form that provide togetherness and love.

Matches made in heaven, richness endowed from above.

 

Then, as parents-to-be, you embrace the good fortune of having a child.

As your children grow, a house full of precious love can drive you wild.

 

Education fills your brain with a wealth of information that enriches your mind.

You watch your children travel through life, their growth and development makes 

    them one of a kind.

 

Successful at a job, you enjoy and appreciate, helps you thrive.

Living each day without losing sight of your dream puts a smile on your face 

    and keeps you alive.

 

Good health, a good fortune, a priceless achievement to value with all your heart.

Aging with grace, in a life of your own making, places you high on wealth’s chart.

 

 

Copyright © 2025 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.

You try to plan your life so you have control. However, this may not be easy to do.

 

You wake up each morning with certain expectations, but find that . . .

 

 

Life Is Full Of Surprises

 

Snow falls outside my window, on a dreary winter day.

Flakes dance through the air, as if performing on stage.

People, with scarves draped around their necks, prance down the street.

Then a snowball comes out of nowhere and hits a passing car.

Life is full of surprises.

 

Children come out of houses and circle around in the snow.

Some falling to the ground leave angelic imprints.

Others ride their bikes on the shallow snowpacks, leaving a path to follow.

A car skids on the icy road and swirls out of control.

Life is full of surprises.

 

Do I want to leave my room on this cold winter day?

Maybe not, but I have no choice.

My job calls and I have to listen.

But then the TV blares, “Route 67 (my road to work) closed.”

Life is full of surprises.

 

What will I do with my free time? I think.

Join the others outside on this cold winter day?

“No chance.” I mutter. I’ll just curl up on the couch with a good book.

But then, my furry pal, Sampson, appears out of nowhere, and out we go.

Life is full of surprises.

 

As we trek down the block, I feel as if I’m going to freeze to death.

With Sampson jerking the leash, I crash to the ground with a thud.

Holding on tight, as Sampson pulls me with all his might, I cringe in pain.

Then, I look up and see the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen smiling at me.

Life is full of surprises.

 

 

Copyright © 2025 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.

Life can be chaotic. A positive attitude helps to travel a sometimes bumpy road.

 

Valuing life and others may help in . . .

 

 

Finding Peace

 

In the depths of a dark ocean,

There lived a great person,

One full of wonder and joy—

Unscathed by the world’s sadness.

 

This noble individual embraced life,

And believed in magic and dreams,

In the power of love and kindness,

In the beauty of everything.

 

Cherishing life and all it held,

Reminded them of who they were,

Pure and unblemished by life’s hardships,

Still able to see the world’s beauty.

 

They felt that out of the dark,

A bright light would shine,

Giving them courage and motivation,

Guiding them along life’s rough paths.

 

And in their eyes, one could see hope,

For humanity to blossom and find peace,

To be inspired to care for one another,

To create a serene existence that would never cease.

 

 

Copyright © 2025 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.

Things happen in unpredictable ways. Such occurrences can turn your life upside down.

 

You believe the past is behind you. Then something arrives in the mail . . .

 

 

With Postage Due

 

My father heard rumors

that contest riches

were coming his way.

Taken aback

by this great news,

he didn’t know what to say.

So he got his gun

and waited

by the front door

for this wonderful day.

Our family’s protection plan in place,

he looked through the peephole,

for the deliverer’s face.

 

That was six weeks ago,

and we’re still as poor as can be.

But our father hasn’t left the front door

and sleeps on a cot, not so peacefully.

Tremors are present,

in both his hands.

His whole body shakes uncontrollably,

and no one understands.

The pressure has driven him

to distraction,

and even Mom,

dressed in a sexy nightgown,

doesn’t appear

to be an attraction.

 

I’m only ten,

and what is happening

leaves me confused.

My eight-year-old brother,

on the other hand,

seems quite amused.

Why, is beyond me—

a complete mystery.

But I’ve recorded my thoughts

on paper to preserve our history.

 

Now twenty years later,

I began to practice law.

My first case involved my brother,

who I still adore.

Saving him

was what I needed to do,

for he had committed a crime,

witnessed by a few.

 

Seems he heard rumors

of riches coming his way.

Recalling my father’s failure,

he believed

he knew how to play.

Still living at home,

he awaited the arrival

of the delivery man,

who knocked on the door that day.

Opening it, he said,

“What you have in your hand

belongs to me.”

The delivery man replied,

“Well, no, that can’t be.”

Then my brother

pulled out my father’s gun

and shot the young man

in the knee.

He fell to the ground

on the front steps,

for all in the neighborhood to see.

With tears in his eyes, he cried,

“This was meant for an older man,

not you.

It’s been lost in the mail

for twenty years,

with postage due.”

 

 

Copyright © 2025 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.

None of us are perfect. We make decisions that can twist our lives in ways we never predicted.

 

The things we do impact those around us, sometimes negatively. And we try to make amends to . . .

 

 

The People Wronged

 

It was yesterday.

No, maybe the day before.

I couldn’t remember—

my mind clouded

with memories of the past,

a past I’d been trying

to escape from

and change

the direction of my life.

 

I shouldn’t have done it,

but I couldn’t resist.

I shouldn’t have done it,

but hoped I wouldn’t get caught.

I never thought they’d be watching,

as I made my move.

But they were.

And there was no way

I could hide.

 

I tried,

as chills engulfed me.

I pulled the covers up

over my head.

Fear welled up

within me.

I dared not run,

fearing

the unknown.

 

Days flew by,

and I dreaded

what might be.

The wind blew

through my hair,

as I tried

to undo the undoable.

I had to.

Yes, I had to.

 

Living in a personal hell

was a death sentence

I couldn’t accept.

The alternative—

I didn’t have a clue.

I prayed

for forgiveness

I didn’t deserve

and wouldn’t receive.

 

Then a light

Illuminated the darkness

of a world

I didn’t know,

one of hope

and dreams,

one

offering me

a second chance.

 

But why? I thought.

Then a hand

motioned to me

to come,

and I did.

And there they were,

the people

I’d thought I’d lost,

the people I’d wronged.

 

I bowed before them

and muttered,

“I’m forever sorry

for what

I’ve put you through

and am ashamed

for what I’ve done.

Please

forgive me.”

 

The warden

pulled the lever

and gas

filled my lungs.

My mind clouded

with memories of the past,

a past that disappeared,

as I slipped

into a sea of darkness.

 

 

Copyright © 2024 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.

There comes a time in your life when you lose sight of what’s happening. You become confused and unsure of how to navigate life’s paths.

 

You spin in circles, past and present colliding, and ask, . . .

 

 

“Who Am I?”

 

My mind is both cluttered

and empty at the same time.

The jumble of past thoughts

seems like a junk-filled garage,

everything there,

but nothing obvious.

I’m a retiree, and I’m living

in a state of confusion.

Does my muddled present

portend what my future will hold? 

Old age frightens the hell out of me.

I can remember lots of stuff,

but at the same time,

many things have disappeared

into the recesses of my mind.

When I enter a room,

sometimes I wonder where I am

and what I came in for.

I’m plagued by the question,

“What am I meant to do

for the rest of my life?”

It bothers me

that I don’t know the answer.

If my body would let me reach

all the lofty goals I set for myself,

I could live a life of contentment.

I told my wife,

If I ever get up in the morning and say,

“I feel fine. I have no pain at all.

Then call the mortuary,

for I must have died

during the night.”

Now, the road I traveled

hasn’t been smooth,

But somehow, I’ve managed

to reach my destination.

I’m not rich or famous,

but I have a comfortable life.

However, things have changed

as time marched on.

At times, I live in a world

of dreams and fantasies.

I become different people

and lose sight of who I am.  

Some days I’m at peace with this,

While on others,

I think I’m going crazy.

I gaze at the ceiling and ask,

“Who am I?”

 

 

Copyright © 2025 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.

You have many decisions to make in life. A major one is when to retire.

 

You need to plan for the next stage of your life. But how long will you live? To find out, just look at . . .

 

 

Your Date Stamp

 

     I love my job, but there comes a point in every man’s life when it is time to call it quits. I’ve been a science teacher at Gulliver’s Travels High School for forty years, since 2005. It’s been a good career, for the most part.  Many mornings in the past, I marched down the hall to my classroom to rousing greetings from my students.

     “Hey, Mr. Lowry, good morning. See you fifth period.”

     “Morning, my favorite teacher. I’m going to beat you to class.”

     “What are we going to talk about today, Mr. Lowry. I can’t wait.”

     “Science is my favorite subject because of you, Mr. Lowry.”

     That was the past. Now, at age sixty-four, at the beginning of a new year, my cluttered mind drifted in and out. Why should I ever leave teaching? However, it’s a decision we all must face sooner or later. And later seems to be coming sooner.

     “Lowry, I need to see you in my office,” Principal Navarro exclaimed.

     “But, I’ve got a class to get to.”

     “So, you’ll be late. I’ll message your students to enjoy each other’s company until you get there.”

     I entered Principal Navarro’s office. “What’s this all about?”

     “Some of your students have come to see me. They feel your teaching methods are grounded in the past—outdated. It’s 2045. You’ve got to embrace the newest technology. Use it in your classroom.”

     “I hear what you’re saying, but I don’t agree.”

     “You don’t agree? We received a $5,000,000 grant two years ago to upgrade our classroom technology, and we did, with the expectation that all teachers would use it.”

     “But I like interaction in my classroom. Students need to work with each other and not be married to their devices.”

     “We left that world behind us many years ago. Technology rules. And the student complaints about your methodology are right on. And the number is growing. Maybe you should consider retirement.”

     “Maybe I should.”

     I left the principal’s office, walked down the hall, and entered my classroom. To my dismay, nobody was there. However, on the large screen in front of the room, words jumped out at me. “We don’t need to be here today and maybe never. ‘AI’ rules.”

     Brought up in a religious home, I thought God ruled, not ‘AI.’ Maybe the end of this year was the right time to retire. I would have a new life ahead of me for however long God intended me to live.

     It would be great, if I could predict my future and know when my final year of life would be. Then I could make plans and have the opportunity to fulfill them. But I knew this was a dream and not a possibility.

     At home that evening, I sat on the couch and thought about retiring. The answer was, “Yes!” But what would I do with my free time?

     My wife died three years ago and we didn’t have any children. So I was alone and in full control, or so I thought.

     However, in today’s world, all houses are equipped with ‘AI’ to keep you up-to-date on everything that’s happening locally and worldwide. It also answers any questions you might have, whether or not you verbalize them. It infiltrates both body and mind, but, hopefully, not soul.

     My stomach started to rumble, so I thought, What do I want for dinner?

     Your refrigerator is empty. The pasta and chicken dish on Verzano Italiano’s menu is to die for, ‘AI’ chanted.

     I didn’t want to die, but the dish sounded good. So I said, “Order that for me.”

     It has been done and will be delivered in twenty-five minutes. The cost is $34.87.

     The end of the school year came all too soon. On graduation day, June 16, 2045, I sat in the audience and watched the students approach the stage to receive their diplomas. A wonderful future was ahead of them, and it made me feel good. However, I quivered a bit, as I speculated about what the next stage of my life would be like. And then . . .

     Principal Navarro sung out, “I’d like to invite Mr. Max Lowry to come up and receive the 2045 Gulliver’s Travels High School Career Teaching Award.”

     I was speechless. I made my way to the stage to accept the honor, with a broad smile on my face.

     “Congratulations, Mr. Lowry, and thank you for all you have given our school and students during your forty years of exemplary service. We want to wish you a happy and healthy retirement,” Principal Navarro said, with enthusiasm.

     He handed me a framed certificate. I took it, shook his hand and muttered, “Thank you.” I was overwhelmed by this unexpected recognition.

     I headed home, got ready for bed and a sound night’s sleep. I awoke the next morning and welcomed a new day and the beginning of the next stage of my life. I wondered, What am I going to do during the next twenty or more years?

     But you do not have twenty years to live, ‘AI’ stated.

     “Huh. How do you know that?”

     Because it was decided at birth.

     “That can’t be.”

     Every human being has an expiration date.

     “A what?”

     A date on which you will be taken to a better place.

     “You can’t be serious.”

     Check your date stamp.

     “My what?”

     Your date stamp.

     “Where is it?

     On the side of your big toe on your right foot.

     I took off my sock and looked. “I don’t see anything,” I stuttered.

     Use your magnifying glass, ‘AI’ instructed.

     I reached over and took it out of my nightstand drawer. I forced it between my toes and gasped, “6-17-2046—one year from today.”

     My heart beat so quickly, I thought I was having a heart attack. I screamed, “I’m dying!”

     You will be, but not today.

 

 

Copyright © 2024 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.

A clear picture is one we dream about. But clarity may not be easy to find.

 

We try to make sense of the world outside, as the . . .

 

 

Clouds Drift By

 

Clouds drift by.

Morning draws nigh,

Blinking an eye.

 

Clouds drift by.

Birds do fly.

Children wonder why.

 

Clouds drift by.

Streets remain dry.

Mountains soar high.

 

Clouds drift by.

Many do sigh,

Saying, “Oh my!”

 

Clouds drift by.

Some do cry.

Others waive bye.

 

 

Copyright © 2024 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.

Shapes, lines, and angles sometimes fit together and sometimes don’t. How can we best understand this?

 

An explanation may be found in . . .

 

 

Geometry Class

 

The bell rang. Class was about to begin. I moved around in my seat trying to get comfortable. Nothing seemed to work. It just didn’t add up.

 

My name is Freddie Semi-Circle. My mother was just half there. My father, however, was very well-rounded. And, me? I always felt somewhat incomplete.

 

I was anxious for class to start. But as usual, my mind wouldn’t be much more than half focused. I knew I wasn’t alone. All kids have problems.

 

For instance, Gloria Circle is the most all-around person I’ve ever met. However, she has no beginning or end. You can’t start a conversation with her. And even worse, you can’t end one.

 

The kid in the third row, Franklin Square, told me he always feels boxed in. His problems are never one-sided or two-sided. Their always four-sided. He never draws a conclusion.

 

Now if you want get to the point, ask Tricia Triangle. But don’t look the other way or she’ll stick it to you. I wouldn’t want to be her.

 

One student I tried to befriend was a head taller than me, and he hated his parents because of the name they gave him. Can you believe being called Orval Oval? He can’t go around in circles. He just tips over.

 

And then there’s Jeffery Kite. He’s a fly away kind of guy. If you get too close to him, he just takes off.

 

There’s also two cousins in class. They live on my street. Ricky Rectangle is short and broad. He blocks the aisle. You can’t get by. Maybe he’ll be a football guard someday.

 

His cousin Pamela Parallelogram always has to be in front of the line. She runs track. She ran a couple of races in gym class against Franklin Square. He never beat her. She just leaned in ahead of him.

 

Before I forget, I need to mention the Gon brothers—Hexa and Penta. They’re in a constant battle with one another. Hexa believes he always has more sides to the stories he tells. Penta can never win.

 

Well, I’ve taken enough of your time. My teacher has just called me up to the front of the room. I better go, for you don’t want to get on the wrong side of Mr. Rhombus, a case in point 🔷.

 

 

Copyright © 2025 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.