Monthly Archives: September 2024

NO SWIMMING ALLOWED by Peter Nolan Smith

September 9, 2024 – 10:12 am

The weather forecast predicted a sultry summer day for September 7, 2001. My friend Alia had transported a Porsche Boxer from the UK and her high-octane convertible awaited clearance at the Newark Customs. The British diplomat asked me to accompany her to the Jersey docks and I agreed on the stipulation that we drove the […]

By Peter | Posted in cars, NEW YORK, semi-fiction | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

On the Ternate Star 1991

September 6, 2024 – 1:33 pm

1991 Early evening time Standing on the stern Of the Ternate Star Out of harbor Leaving behind the Spices Islands Nothing like it at all___ The silhouettes of Mount Gamalama and Kie Matubu volcanoes Smaller and smaller The scent of island’s famed cinnamon, durian, nutmeg, and cloves Fainter and fainter With every twist of the […]

By Peter | Posted in indonesia, journal, Travel | Tagged , | Comments (0)

March 7 1991 – Palu – Journal

September 6, 2024 – 1:21 pm

Listening to the BBC this morning I heard General Schwartzkopf say, “Saddam promised us the mother of all battles. What he got was the mother of all defeats.” The Muslims called The Prayer woke me this morning. The roosters helped open my eyes. The overhead fan called the room slightly and I pulled back to […]

By Peter | Posted in indonesia, journal, Travel | Tagged , | Comments (0)

End Of Summer – Truro – 2024

September 6, 2024 – 11:52 am

Sunrise over the Coast Guard Beach East on Truro The dawn bouncing off the Atlantic To fill the morning sky O’er Cape Cod Bay___ A couple stand on the porch. The last hours of vacation For AP and his loving wife and daughter___ The Audi packed With what is theirs Leaving behind nothing And leaving […]

By Peter | Posted in New England, Poetry | Tagged | Comments (0)

Bobby B BADD

September 5, 2024 – 6:39 pm

Gather round my friends To hear a tale. About a young man__ No one knew so well. A drifter dropping off a southbound train. Happy to be anywhere But Laredo___ Bobby B BADD A beat-up black suit on a scarecrow body. A hundred and fifty-four pounds soaking wet He bent over to a trickling hose […]

By Peter | Posted in Poetry, Travel | Tagged , | Comments (0)