PATRICIA KEOUGH WILSON

This photo is from 2013. Ken is the one who takes pictures so he is seldom in them. Today I write about him. My best friend, my spouse, was not cut out to be my secretary or to fill my unpaid staff of one person as clerical help. But as I write this opening to post a poem about him written in 2009, he is standing nearby making copies of material for a project that matters to both of us. I couldn’t do it without him. Yet I feel guilty as his unpaid assigned job keeps him from

This memoir piece first appeared on my website under memoir in November 2014. I haven’t seen many operas but anytime I see an opera singer on television or attend a program of music from operas, I think of my dad. This free photo is of an opera singer but I did not recognize the name. Sorry. Here is what I know about my dad and opera. I remember doing my weekly Saturday chores of bathroom cleaning (where I spent most of my time reading a book with the doors locked) and dustin

Sometimes a few words shed light on one of the major themes of a life, in this case my life. These were the words, “Grief is the price we pay for love.” After hearing those words, I sat very still for a few seconds. I finally understood one of the themes of my life. Late to arrive there but maybe I wasn’t quite ready until in my late 70s. I realized that theme has battled fiercely and steadily with the major counter theme in my life. That theme is one of hope, of the promises