prose – Daniel Rutberg

Empty Chairs

October 28th 2022 I sit at the dining room table that came with the house we bought thirty six years ago. The now empty chairs that belong to it, have been used as tent poles for bedsheet tents that the boys played under. They have been stacked with the boys knapsacks and school books, heldContinue reading “Empty Chairs”

A walk with a friend

I went for a walk with a friend Yesterday I woke up later than expectedSuffering from another sleepless nightTurning the breaking news of the pandemic, politics and our own personal rollercoaster ride over and over in ones mind doesn’t make for a well rested night. I texted that I was running late and received aContinue reading “A walk with a friend”

I saw it in her eyes

She walked in to the coffee shop as I was settling up at the counter. The sister-in-law of my son’s best friend. Part of a second family that we had lost touch with when he began his global walkabout. Kismet or coincidence the two friends were together again skiing down the slopes of Breckenridge soContinue reading “I saw it in her eyes”

Grateful

Grateful Kneeling, I sit off centered Drops of sweat Fall from my face And pool in a v At the neck of my shirt I slowly extend then sweep My left leg along the floor Towards my body Across my center Then fold it at the knee And place it on The wrong side ofContinue reading “Grateful”

Narrator of Your Story

Act One of an unfinished play Scenes 1-18 A play for the clan Mackay/Rutberg The play begins and ends on a bare stage. A middle-aged man enters and stands in front of a curtain. “With an intense love for each other and our clans past, present and future and with great fear and trepidation yourContinue reading “Narrator of Your Story”