by RJ Heller | May 4, 2021 | History Speaks
His words were whispered. Caressed by the waves, words tumbled and folded upon themselves. With each word spoken, I imagine a memory came back to him, a lost orphan searching for home on the crest of a wave. I slowly moved closer, listening, hoping he would repeat the...
by RJ Heller | Mar 25, 2021 | Life Downeast
A bitter cold bites the sheets. I awake with the wind echoing in my ears. Its echo takes shape. A circular motion begins at the bottom of the rusted metal stairs and then swirls up step by step whistling darkness. I look at my hands, wretched, blistered, black from...
by RJ Heller | Feb 27, 2021 | Life Downeast
OK, so, yes, I admit it, I am a fan of Winnie the Pooh, and today as I write this, I am feeling somewhat whimsical and would like to lighten things up just a bit. The lovable storybook character brought to life by A.A. Milne somewhere along the way seeped into my...
by RJ Heller | Feb 16, 2021 | Life Downeast
The creak is a distinctive sound— wooden oars kiss the oarlocks, wood rubs green bronze and squeals before it settles into a silent groove. A stroke, pause, water drips and then another stroke. Head moves side-to-side, wary and cautious. A cadence forms between boat...
by RJ Heller | Feb 9, 2021 | Random Thoughts
The other day I was having a conversation with a friend, and he asked how I was faring in this time of uncertainty. I said I was doing all right, but that I have found I really miss handshakes and hugs. He laughed as he found it amusing. I laughed, too, but I still...