Author Archives: leeroc3

The walk to town was delightful. I felt a light breeze tempering the warm sunshine. Serenaded by song sparrows and robins, I reflected on the bounties of an early summer day. I wandered over to a small plot of daisies … Continue reading →

Who could blame me? I couldn’t let go. I battled the beast even as black clouds and heavy waves rolled in. This was a monster. The rod and line were especially designed for the big ones. Mike stood by my … Continue reading →

I gaze at the flickering dying embers as they light the primitive ceiling above. I’m transfixed in the face of eternity. My left sock clutches me and holds me in this place lest I float away into oblivion. What is … Continue reading →

At first it was just annoying. How could people just throw paper onto the sidewalk? Can’t they simply wait a few minutes and throw it in a trash bucket at home? My diatribe against the laziness and self centeredness of … Continue reading →

Passions ran high as each witness related their close encounter with greatness. The decision will soon be made. Experts have been pontificating for several days now on all of the networks. There is no clear conclusion among them. Mary Jane … Continue reading →

I know what you’re going to say- “Be patient”. Easy for you to say. I respond- “You’re not waiting endlessly for the call back. How can you know how I feel and what is going through my mind?”. I reflect … Continue reading →

My smartphone never sleeps. It tracks my every movement, purchase and thought. It clearly knows what I need. It uses algorithms to anticipate my every need. I confess that I’m not really sure what an algorithm actually is but I … Continue reading →

Stanley was his name- at least that’s what my father told me. The name has a rich history- the creator of high quality tools,creator of a high end insulated cup, director of one of the world’s largest investment firms, famous … Continue reading →

I glanced at the screen. The map told me I had 57 miles of winding road ahead of me. It was 11:16 AM and it looked like I would make it by 1:00 PM. The text I got at 8 … Continue reading →

For a brief moment in time, humanity was united. It was at this special time of a rare total eclipse that 50 happy couples from every corner of the world decided to tie the knot on a football field in … Continue reading →

My serious tone and warning to never tell the family secret that I was about to reveal- got his attention. “I want to warn you that this information might be distressing and shocking”. My nine year old grandson, used to … Continue reading →

It started out well. The sky was crystal clear. A light, warm breeze greeted us as we entered the car to begin the fateful journey. We drove smoothly along, on track and on time. Then it happened. Just our luck. … Continue reading →

Let’s start by saying I’ve made plenty of mistakes. I offer a few examples to demonstrate this fact.  I was in my teens when I was challenged by a peer to make a wager. He bet me that Clay would … Continue reading →

It all started at age 5. I snatched a candy bar from a store and later had to return it and apologize to the manager. Imagine the humiliation. Undeterred, I swiped a few magic pictures glued to the front of … Continue reading →

Chief Franklin was host of this gathering- convened through the wonders of virtual technology to solve one of the greatest crimes of the century. The Chief  sat at the head of the table dressed in his usual black, pin striped … Continue reading →

Mark leaned over his hand painted elegant and overflowing dessert plate and quietly stated the obvious- “Stephan, we are very fortunate indeed. Life is a lottery and we certainly have won it”. Mark dug into his plate of tiramisu. Holding … Continue reading →

The alarm on my smartphone screamed its usual cheery tune. I glanced at it with a scowl and it stopped. I know I can not shut it off by looking at it. I must be dreaming. I guess I will … Continue reading →

After three flights and a two hour ferry ride in rough Atlantic waters our packed van climbs slowly on rutted roads interrupted by a shallow stream or two. The van is determined to shake loose a few of my fillings … Continue reading →

Chief Detective Cramer sat at his desk. He gazed out the window- staring and straining to look into the past. He smiled as he recalled several police cars blocking the street with their lights flashing, darkened hallways lit by 40 … Continue reading →

I have until midnight to decide. I’m conflicted. Deadlines make me nervous. I know that I need deadlines. Without them I usually waste precious time. Let’s see, with 7 more years of expected life, what am I supposed to do … Continue reading →

The spot tailed lizard was having a tough day as usual. Cars and huge trucks sped by on both sides of the highway median. He was stuck in his little sand burrow while Congress debated his fate under the Endangered … Continue reading →

Walter turned to Shirley, nodding his head. He whispered, “It’s time to do it”. Shirley stood close behind with the two little ones, Ray and Linda, clutching their mother. They had planned and prepared for this. Shirley thought about their … Continue reading →

There’s always an excuse. He means well. He’s not familiar with modern rules since he lives in isolation. He barely speaks. He is struggling with health issues- including excessive drinking and obesity. Sure, those are real issues, but it’s time … Continue reading →

Panhandlers, winos and drug dealers are everywhere. No wonder I rarely go downtown. I try to do everything on the internet. But today, I need to go to the main office and bring along three IDs if I hope to … Continue reading →

I have the place to myself at last. I’m up early. There are no crowds, noise, loud music, marching bands, football and intoxicated relatives. Peace at last. It’s been a rough few days leading up to the traditional gathering yesterday. … Continue reading →

Chaos is a friend of mine. Or so I tell myself. It certainly seems to follow me around like a hungry lost puppy. According to the scientists, chaos is actually hard wired into the universe. I’m not kidding. They say … Continue reading →

It’s not personal. It’s the job. I know everyone has a dislike of me, even a hatred, but I can’t help who I am. Most of the time I sit alone, bothering nobody. I am pretty content with being isolated. … Continue reading →

I think I read it right. I have apparently won free protrabane. Yes, I was the lucky winner. All I have to do is call the 800 number within 24 hours to claim my prize. The short email notice assured … Continue reading →

The gunfire, mixed with explosions, bells ringing, car engines revving, and the cheers from adults and children was overwhelming at first. But the Arcade soon embraced me and carried me off to my glorious childhood days at the shore. But … Continue reading →

We are lucky to be living in modern times where laws are designed to protect innocent citizens. But sometimes the rules or lack of them can be a problem. I offer the following example. I know, you’ll say “It’s only … Continue reading →

We are lucky to be living in modern times where laws are designed to protect innocent citizens. But sometimes the rules or lack of them can be a problem. I offer the following example. I know, you’ll say “It’s only … Continue reading →

Trouble hovers about me like vultures checking out my expiration date. There is no real escape. It always is nearby, moving closer, relentlessly. It’s always patient. I feel it in the tingle of my spine, the quickening of my heart … Continue reading →

My grandson offered a prompt for my writing- “What are your pet peeves?”. This is a tough prompt. I am relaxed, generous, patient and broad minded. People who have pet peeves are tense, selfish, impatient and narrow minded. That’s not … Continue reading →

All was quiet in room 311. It had a perfect view of the forests and mountains from their third floor balcony suite. Jack thought- “Maybe Lucy was right- a romantic getaway would be perfect”. Jack woke early without an alarm … Continue reading →

Watching others is generally great entertainment. Except today. I watched a couple sit on a small bench without speaking a word. Usually there’s animated conversation while you wait. Couples share the day’s news, argue about things and complain about the … Continue reading →

George- You captured the homo-erotic interspecies tensions perfectly in your last piece- “Irreconcilable Differences”. It all ends tragically of course in smoke and fire- as it should. Smoke and ashes represent the mystery of life. Tragic, unrequited love is the … Continue reading →

Louis was very independent. He tolerated people but he was careful to avoid any intimacy. People were too emotional and unpredictable. They also were too demanding. They want to control your life. Even Louis’ new  roommate, Harold, had all of … Continue reading →

These are frightening times for writers everywhere. It’s not just Hollywood writers who are threatened. It’s all of us. I foresee a time in the near future when the Pelican Pens writers group will be nothing but a club for … Continue reading →

Avi Loeb was soon to come to the podium to present the biggest news in this or any century. CNN had been broadcasting live drone shots of Avi driving about Boston for the last couple hours. He apparently had a … Continue reading →

It was an amazing sight. There, standing at the top of the world, was Brad Pitt- perhaps the greatest American actor since Clark Gable. He proudly waved the American flag for the world to see. His camera crew and sherpas … Continue reading →

He appeared pretty calm considering he knew I was a serial killer. Mr. Jamison was wearing a cranberry colored sporty cashmere turtle-neck sweater. I poured cognac for him. He probably smoked a pipe but he neglected to bring it along- … Continue reading →

The judge stepped into the courtroom and hammered his gavel with unusual force. This was a difficult case but he had little choice. “Will Ronald Duck please rise”. Ronald did so but it was difficult to see him rise due … Continue reading →

I take a few deep breaths and exhale slowly. Maybe I should make tea.  On those British mysteries- tea is needed to face any tragedy. If your wife was the victim of a serial killer- “have some tea, love”.  The … Continue reading →

The crowd of journalists and the curious are buzzing in excited anticipation of the news conference. Wolf is on the scene near the podium. He turns to the camera and comes into living rooms across America and around the World. … Continue reading →

I never played Lotto before, but in my advancing age, I have found it compelling. Sure, it’s a sucker’s game- “the house always wins”. But what else do I have to look forward to? After all, it’s past the fourth … Continue reading →

Dick was not really his name but it became his name in the fifth grade. Nobody liked him. He was clueless about sports. He was a bit fat or “husky” as his mother would say. And he never seemed to … Continue reading →

Charlie sped along the trail as he approached the creek. It was 9:00 AM and already the sun was high and the temperature was 80. His high performance mountain bike was perfect for this territory. He splashed across the shallow … Continue reading →

The body looked like a broken pretzel. The twists and turns suggested some confusion. Perhaps each body part had a different plan at the end. Here he was, Winston Hathaway- laid out with no dignity or purpose- on a beautiful … Continue reading →

I have just completed the AARP online driving course. They should have a warning label attached to it- “Do not attempt to drive after completing this course for at least 24 hours due to the side effects of this course … Continue reading →

Almost Perfect Crime The sudden death of this otherwise healthy male was puzzling. Felix, the city’s chief forensic pathologist and Sherlock, the famous private detective- stared at the naked body as if waiting for the body to speak and tell … Continue reading →

Electronics are a part of everyone’s life these days. But electronics can not be a substitute for character. She has led the way through all the storms and detours life can throw at you. She has embraced and comforted those … Continue reading →

The front door was just a tiny bit ajar. The casual observer would miss it. Shirley would never miss it. She routinely swept her environment with all her senses. The pause on the landing was only mildly annoying to Weston. … Continue reading →

The incoming missile was hurtling towards him at 1630 km per hour. With .08 seconds to impact, Drango deftly turned and dove as the attacking missile sailed harmlessly by. Drango was a bit annoyed at having to bother with this … Continue reading →

New Year’s resolutions are an utter failure. Before you stop reading this in anticipation of a soul crushing attack on weak willed humans, consider this- perhaps it’s OK to start off the year with lofty goals, but reset these to … Continue reading →

I spotted the tiny flashing red light on the third shelf between “Macbeth” and “Me Talk Pretty One Day”. I wondered how Mary came to this mysterious pairing. I smiled and shouted out to Mary, working in the kitchen-  “You … Continue reading →

I saw him moving his mouth but somehow he sounded like a muffled voice coming from deep inside a trash can. My mind was in another, safer place. I decided he reminded me of Frank Reagan, the NYC chief of … Continue reading →

I found the marker in the rocky soil. It was the usual day- cloudy with a light mist in the air. The wind was a steady 15 knots out of the northeast blowing in the cold North Atlantic air over … Continue reading →

The voice was calm and assured- “You are 1.5 miles from your destination and you will arrive in 3 minutes. Turn right into the parking lot”. I had to admit, modern technology was amazing. I had just Googled “Tell me … Continue reading →

A sense of calmness gradually swept through my body as I re-read “Fifty Best Hiking Trails of Florida”. It was mid–morning when I arrived at the small gravel parking lot. I was the only one there. I have the whole … Continue reading →

Technology is difficult for many adults today. It’s a breeze for today’s seventeen year olds. It’s all they’ve ever known. Try telling them you are going to “write a letter, lick a stamp, put it on an envelope and drop … Continue reading →

I had the foresight to bring along a dictionary. You can always use a dictionary- to raise you up in your seat, stand on to reach for something up high, prop open a door, start a fire and look up … Continue reading →

I sit here on the front porch sipping my hot coffee which is warming my hands nicely. Steam rises and swirls in the light breeze. It’s 30 degrees but my hunter’s vest is enough as the sun streams over me. … Continue reading →

I sit here on the front porch sipping my hot coffee which is warming my hands nicely. Steam rises and swirls in the light breeze. It’s 30 degrees but my hunter’s vest is enough as the sun streams over me. … Continue reading →

It’s too late now. I made the bet. If I really try hard I just might be able teach an ant to play chess. I’ll show Louie. The ant stepped onto my pencil tip and I escorted him to the … Continue reading →

We were probably too old for this. “Honey- we’re getting close. I checked the maps earlier and it’ll be an easy climb. I know there’s  water on the other side of that small mountain. When we get to the top … Continue reading →

I guess I was bored and curious- a dangerous combination. I had just had a long conversation with a friend while walking about our serene and peaceful community while much of the world was embroiled in mostly man made catastrophes. … Continue reading →

The hard part is the waiting. The jury has been out now for what seems like an eternity- but it’s actually only been an hour. I’ve been sitting here on the bench thinking about the deed. I am guilty. It … Continue reading →

Up at exactly 6:30 AM every day, coffee at 6:55 AM and out the door at 7:20 to join my morning walking group which departs on its 3 mile walk at exactly 7:40 AM. I’m able to get home, eat … Continue reading →

I must have missed it. It’s been sitting in my left pants pocket for a few months at least. These were my worn out pants, seldom used and only when its busy peers were awaiting laundry duties. I guess I … Continue reading →

Walter approached the counter with a mixture of joy and fear. He had eyed her for several weeks but he didn’t actually reach out to her. He just stood back and admired her perfection. He loved her lines and form. … Continue reading →

Wolf Blitzer stares into your soul as he gravely states “Breaking news …welcome to CNN for those of you in the United States and around the world … writing memoirs does not need to be daunting, tedious and aversive … … Continue reading →

I can’t believe my watch- it must be broken. It says it’s 10:12. I’ve been here for two hours and 42 minutes. It seems like several hours. The second hand is moving so it’s still running. Oh well, only 18 … Continue reading →

It was a regular Friday night at the bar, until the chubby guy strolled in. Well, technically in a few minutes it will be Saturday morning. Anyway, the chubby guy sat at the bar and ordered a whisky, straight up. … Continue reading →

They say it was intentional. There were 26 witnesses. Kyle claimed self defense when he was taken away in cuffs. The victim, a 27 year old woman, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.  The police were on the … Continue reading →

He did it. There was no doubt about it. There was DNA evidence at the crime scene. The perpetrator was seen walking in the neighborhood minutes before the horrible murder. There was plenty of motives. The victim, Steve, was perpetually … Continue reading →

My eyelids seem weighted- defying my will to remain alert. My eyebrows rose, pulling my eyelids upward in a last ditch attempt to remain conscious. I’d resolved to finally stay up for the Big Event even though I’d be lucky … Continue reading →

The bank manager looked up from his stack of papers- “Go back to your desk and don’t bother me”. I froze, pistol still in my pocket. The director yelled “Cut!”. I interrupted his lecture about cost overruns- “George would never … Continue reading →

While sitting around the campfire Jacob posed a question at the annual reunion on the lake-  “Without any limitations regarding money, brains, education or training- what would you want to be remembered for after you leave this world?” The group … Continue reading →

I nodded to the Maitre D as I walked past him to go directly to my table. Paul bowed ever so slightly, “Good evening Mr. Harrington”. As usual, the place was packed but my table was expertly prepared by Mark. … Continue reading →

My heart seemed to be actually racing a bit as we approached the door. My wife and I put on our best for this. The maitre d, Paul, dressed in a dark navy suit with bright red pocket handkerchief smiled … Continue reading →

Margaret Merriweather had no idea that the fate of the world would be in her hands when she entered the town’s little church to participate in her annual tradition as being the first to vote. There were a few more … Continue reading →

I was hoping that the chest pain would just go away, but it didn’t. Now I must make the dreaded call to my doctor. A charming female voice announces- “You have reached Best Health Care, Inc. Listen carefully to the … Continue reading →

There, I’ve finally freed myself from the clutches of advertisements. For several days I have been obsessed as the classified ad kept creeping into my mind- at the oddest times. At stop lights, while brushing my teeth and while tying … Continue reading →

It seemed like a little spot, hardly worth noticing. Yet I stared at it nightly as it sat with me watching Breaking News. I half expected Wolf Blizer to come out of the screen and order me to clean that … Continue reading →

I suppose I shouldn’t be moving about yet, especially at night, but I just couldn’t sleep. I am curious to see what damage was done by Hurricane Ian. There are bushes and branches all over the place. It’s strange to … Continue reading →

I confess that I have been forced to turn off the news lately. Breaking News has broken me. Between nearly three years of Covid, a looming massive recession and the loss of 25% of my life savings, hurricane destruction aggravated … Continue reading →

To the Thief Who Stole My Car: You should be ashamed of yourself. You stole my car from the Price Rite parking lot last Thursday. You probably don’t care that my ice cream melted in the cart while I waited … Continue reading →

Call me a skeptic but any town named “Bliss” has got to be a dump. It’s like Iceland is really a cool place to visit, but Greenland is a nightmare of white desolation. It will be worth the three hour … Continue reading →

The traffic flowed along steadily.. There was the usual mix of passenger cars, trailers, construction trucks and even a few convertibles. We were in the red one, my father’s choice.  I sat in the right rear seat so I could … Continue reading →

General Styx floated over Goda- her red eyes gleaming. Actually they were not eyes, they were truth sensors scanning  Goda, again. Goda was once the most promising recruit for the Intergalactic Flight School but he had already been sent to … Continue reading →

The bright red pickup sat defiantly in the handicapped parking spot in front of the market. There was no handicapped tag hanging from the mirror, no sign on the dash and no special license plate. I usually walk by muttering … Continue reading →

I have a four hour window for the plumber- 1 pm to 5 pm. I answered my cell phone at 1245 expecting to hear that there will be a delay- or worse, it’ll be canceled until next week. This was … Continue reading →

There is a special challenge to going on a vacation in these days of perpetual pandemics, monkeypox, polio outbreaks, climate migration, floods, melting ice caps, forest and brush fires everywhere- even Hawaii, earthquakes, European rivers drying up, raging inflation, attacks … Continue reading →

I scanned the room as usual to make sure there were no signs of illegal entry. Nothing seemed out of place. The Qual-Tech Automotive pen was exactly in place, pointing west with the company phone number centered to the standing … Continue reading →

The Coroner, Dr. James Harrison, sat at his desk with several piles of notes and reports. He glanced over to the table wishing Mr. Carlson would speak and finish the job. Mr. Carlson didn’t help much. All that was left … Continue reading →

Ok God. I need a little break here. Can you throw a little good news my way? My retirement fund just sprang a leak. I’ve worked all my life and I just lost a couple hundred grand in a few … Continue reading →

The new regulation will go into effect August 1st at 12:01 AM EST. I have to hurry to beat it. There is no time to waste. I have only 23 hours and 59 seconds of freedom from this rule.  Anyway, … Continue reading →

We had arrived at a nearby airport and we boarded the tourist bus near the terminal. There were no direct flights to this nearby foreign land. Direct flights were banned ten years ago as you recall. I played Swiibbige and … Continue reading →

Marianne glanced down the hallway.  Empty. She quickly entered the little first floor library and shut the door. She sat next to Spencer and whispered- “The coast is clear”. The buildings’ rooming house tenants, except for Mr. X, were all … Continue reading →

There would be no extension, no do-over, no second chance. I jogged along the boardwalk glancing back to see the restaurant’s strings of lights slowly fading off in the distance. The lights and music flowed over the beach in celebration. … Continue reading →