memorial – C.M. Rivers

Net Man

“The point is that he had – as we all do in given measures – an unknowable wildness.”

Will it only be a list of information, a collection of the external? Born in so-and-so, to these parents of this descent, lived here and then here, and then here. Worked as a nurse, a cook, an accountant, managed a dry cleaning business, taught fifth graders or at the university, produced movies. (Your name here)Continue reading “Obituary”

Fudge

Originally posted on C.M. Rivers:
I came across the recipe in your old index card box, alphabetically misplaced between Fruitcake and Fritter Batter. “I miss you”, I said aloud as I measured out the sugar, butter, salt and evaporated milk. The cat looked at me expectantly, thinking – as he always does – that…

Hopi Prayer

This summer I hope to visit the place I scattered my mom’s ashes 26 years ago, near the foot of Neahkhanie Mountain on the Oregon coast. Standing in the wind above the sea, I will be sure to remember this Hopi Prayer. “Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there. I do not sleep.Continue reading “Hopi Prayer”

Here’s Lookin’ At You, Kid

How striking, how strange, that I was to speak with you for the last time, in the middle of my own birthday party. I thought you were calling to wish me a happy birthday. How childish and small I felt, once I realized – as if I had been struck by lightning or a god-likeContinue reading “Here’s Lookin’ At You, Kid”