The truth of the matter is . . .: May 2025

Thursday, May 29, 2025

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.

Monday, May 19, 2025

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 🔷.

Friday, May 9, 2025

I lay on my bed and wondered about meeting the girl of my dreams. But how could this happen?

I hoped, someday, I would find my . . .

First Love

The sun was shining. It was a gorgeous August day.

I strutted with pride down Fiesta Way.

I looked at the others, as they looked at me.

Was walking alone going to be my destiny?

Then out of nowhere came a gorgeous girl.

My heart began to beat out of control, my head began to whirl.

There appeared to be a smile on her face,

As she moved toward me with a princess’s grace.

Bashful, I bowed my head, not knowing how to act,

But realized this was not the way to make a significant impact.

So I gasped and uttered, Hello, my name is Fred.

Then my mind went blank and that’s all I said.

To my amazement, she chanted, Good day, Freddy boy.

How would you like to play with a little girl toy?

Totally bewildered by her remark,

I headed toward our town’s beautiful park.

She followed me, staying close behind.

I knew in my heart, she was one of a kind.

As we neared a park bench, I turned and stared.

She looked at me with love in her eyes, which showed she cared.

I felt like Price Charming and not just a common mutt.

And then, the “first love” of my life bent her head down and smelled my butt.