Last night I cried. Something had changed. I remembered their faces, but forgot their names. Young men old, all men brave. Tough and strong, old to the games. Gunner’s Mate “Gunny”. Boatswain’s Mate “Boats”. Corpsman called “Doc”. All hard core cases. Names are passing, but not scenes. Not sounds or smells. Dates, never places. The […]
Benicia Letters Once More: Lasting Connections
The following “letter” is part of the continuing series from the unpublished novel by James Garrett, “Benicia Letters Once More”. He does not plan to publish the book but instead is choosing to share the letters with the readers of the Benicia Herald. The letters continue the storyline of Garrett’s first novel “Benicia and Letters […]
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “Two Hearts”
Glancing from preparing dinner she says, “I love you.” He says, “I love you. You’re my everything.” “You’re mine,” she replies. Hot flames of passion. Warm embers of love. Time, time, time. Changing, yet so the same. Golly, she was a cute kid. She’s cute still. The photo on the wall, Is of a younger […]
Benicia Letters Once More: Ghostly Love
Starting today and continuing most weeks, space permitting, the Benicia Herald will be printing a “letter” from an unpublished novel by James Garrett, “Benicia Letters Once More.” He does not plan to publish the book but instead is choosing to share the letters with the readers of the Benicia Herald. The letters continue the storyline […]
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “Reunion”
They came from the past in singles and pairs. Each brought their lives, and curious stares. Some traveled far over land and sea, Each curious to see what had come to be. Some had stayed so close to home, Others, by choice or chance, did roam. Now all brought together one more time, Some playing […]
James Garrett: Early ’60s Benicia sports memories
It is my belief that it is not out of the ordinary for people to look back on their youth, recall memories and reminisce. I’m doing that here. It’s a good thing that in my old age I still have the scrapbooks from my youth. In the Benicia where I grew up, things were obviously […]
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “Honor”
Honor, Duty, Country. A line borrowed from another. A tattooed line, On the arm of a Brother. Without Honor there is nothing. Without Honor we are dead. Where ice-cream is eaten, Or the blood runs red. To be there. To carry your load. To hack it. To pay debts owed. Pain is temporary. Honor is […]
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “He Read Fate”
The four letter word Navy, Once meant both love and “yuck”. It gave trials and errors, For a strong, young buck. Individuals form families, Blood connects most. The adopted were chosen, Oath closed to boast. Sun adopted Rock, He granted rays day and night. His ears heard sounds of the past. His eyes saw far […]
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “Your Answer”
You learned my name, Then heard my voice. My eyes locked on yours, Fate guided the choice. A passing few moments, Time held in place. Shy yet bold, Sweet smile on your face. Time for the passing, Of days turned to years. Years turned to decades, Held sorrows and fears. Always the hug, The warmth […]
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “Giants”
Once I was with Giants, Three men strong. They haunt me now, Like ghosts in the night. They are the soul of America, But they wouldn’t think they were. I’ve lost them now, Not in mind, but in sight. They are as I last saw, Young, trim, and eager. Always ready and willing, They took […]