Joe Forgue

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Oct, 2023

Stories (4)

4 Stories

80 karma pts

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“MORE THAN A PORK CHOP” by Joe Forgue

Submitted to Contest #237

Why the sadness? I was putting away the groceries--a few more, somehow, than what was on the list I was sent to the neighborhood A & P to buy. Of course, as a nine-year-old, I didn't have a clue to give words to why my mom looked so sad. I probably did have some heartfelt sense, though. Later, my adult self would deal with the many mixed messages from our family interplay. But that's another story.Mr. Phil, as we called the grocer, did let me put the charge on our tab. He wrote something on what appeared to be a scrap of paper. As I look...

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“THE MORNING DONUTS” by Joe Forgue

Submitted to Contest #236

Crap! Jake still couldn't let himself say: O shit! He remembered it was his turn to bring the donuts. There was still time to drive over to the Kroger bakery. He'd be back lickety split with the donuts, long johns, and bismarks. The motley crew of old guys, come every Monday morning, always looked forward to the sugar and starch treats. Not a one was under seventy; but, to listen in on their conversations, the fifteen year old in each came out in style. Yet, after the risqué double talk subsided, another pattern repartee surfaced. Funny thin...

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“Memorial Marathon” by Joe Forgue

Submitted to Contest #235

Closing my eyes, heaven sent supportive smiles kept me going. The downtown start was jumbled yet quite manageable. I was comfortable beginning with the 12 minute a mile group; quite confident I could finish in no more than the 5 hours I had practice for. Closer to 4 hours was my best-case scenario. Preparing to run was logistically enjoyable. Had to first find increasing distances of 5-, 10-, 15- and 20-mile running venues. While a challenge, the job turned out to be a set of minor geography tests. Due to a vist with my son in Hong Kong, I ...

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“Striking A Chord” by Joe Forgue

Submitted to Contest #218

Downtown. City sounds abound. A cacophony. I find a spot catty-corner from the McD's-. Boy, wouldn't a hot coffee be great," I say as i pull out my Hohner. Under my armpit, it warms up enough for me to go through a few scales. My sleep was restless, but dreamy melodies gave me some peace. I sit and play City of New Orleans with its "Good Morning, America" refrain. A few coins drop my way. Perhaps this day will be OK. As the morning moves ever so slowly toward noontime, strident discords become supportive drone to the higher harmony. A h...

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