Edges Of Existence: 3 Shorter Works

The three works in this volume concern people either slipping from or trying to grasp needed levels in life. In “The Case of Arlene,” a mental patient will only reveal her traumatic past to an itinerant part-time worker, creating intrigues within their facility. “The Lightweight,” written in verse, is essentially an epic poem about a “regular guy.” His story offers meaning in its commonality with the aspirations and weaknesses of many other people. In “The Celestial Opera,” a reunion of two old friends at a funeral leads to deeper understanding of life, death, and what may lie beyond.