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[charleybruns]

Immigration. Separation. Condemnation. Assimilation. These and other themes and topics are touched upon in my debut book, Fatherlands: Identities of a Cuban American. This memoir -- the most challenging writing project I've undertaken since first learning the English language -- is the book I was meant to write. I hope many English-language readers around the world will find it interesting and informative, and perhaps more.

[charleybruns]

A great story about a unique American artist, Patti Smith, was published in the New York Times this week. The way she remains true to her muse while always being her unpretentious self is admirable. Time should not forget her, but hopefully "Ms. Smith" will live past 100!

[charleybruns]

Lonely thoughts on a beach

When I last saw you

I thought I’d be back.

I didn’t think my good-bye

was so-long forever.

But here I sit on the beach,

looking beyond the cold ocean,

wondering where you are, 

how you’re doing,

if you still remember me.

I’m okay if you’re curious.

My studies were followed by jobs

and before you know it

I was practically American.

But I’m not quite all-American.

There’s no house with a white picket fence

or dogs running around a yard 

or a spouse with kids in my home.

Instead there are nights on WhatsApp,

Instagram, Facebook, Twitter,

with the TV on and bed unmade.

There are weekend days on the beach,

cold days, warm days, lonely days.

Yes, I got the education and career I wanted.

But I still don’t have you.

Will you be coming over any time soon?

Or should I came back for you?

Anyway, where are you?

Copyright Charles A. Bruns, 2019

[charleybruns]

A fascinating look at the streets of New York City, then and now.

[charleybruns]

The Bard at the Hard Rock

He needs no introduction. Sure enough, Bob Dylan did not get one last night. Neither did his band from him, for that matter. The audience at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, in fact, did not get a hello or any acknowledgement from The Bard as he went through his 20-song setlist in under two hours. What they did get, however, was an exhibition of American music history from a 77-year-old legend on the latest leg of his Never Ending Tour, which began 30 years ago and someday will end.

As he always does, Bob breathed new life into his old songs, including “Like a Rolling Stone” and “Blowin’ in the Wind.” He also gave new life to his 21st century songs, including four selections from his most recent album of original material, Tempest. Nearly all the songs were performed slower and softer than originally recorded, often crooned, always in his unique voice. Bob covered many of his songs like it was a poetry recital, which makes some sense from a Nobel Prize in Literature recipient whose words are considered poetic. The sound and song selection, including “Make You Feel My Love” and “Love Sick,” at times made it feel a romantic evening for many in the crowd who still can find romance in spoken words.

When the last note of “All Along the Watchtower” faded away and the Etess Arena lights went on, Bob and his band were back on the bus for their next one-night stand in Springfield, Massachusetts, leaving everyone in Atlantic City to settle for the various artifacts from his career on display at the Hard Rock. Eventually, the tour will make its way to New York City for seven shows at the Beacon Theatre and its last stop in Philadelphia. If you haven’t seen The Bard and his band in concert, don’t you dare miss it. 

[charleybruns]

Lambertville: This is It

“It is my emotions that early me through Lambertville, New Jersey...”

—Gerald Stern, “This is It,” from This Time: New and Selected Poems. Copyright 1977.

[charleybruns]

Asheville, autumn 2018

There are 11 cities in North Carolina bigger than Asheville, but probably few if any as interesting. Its economy still hasn’t quite recovered from the Great Depression, but its bohemian heart and soul certainly has. The city has a lively music and art scene that can be easily appreciated by open ears and eyes. It also is home to a minor league baseball club that plays in a charming old park.

Much of Asheville’s architecture, some of it Art Deco, dates back to its golden age a century ago. Many of these buildings now house cafes, boutiques, shops and other small businesses. This eclectic combination of old and new make for some interesting sights that are best enjoyed during a leisurely stroll through downtown.

[charleybruns]

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The Bob Dylan catalogue is full of gems, some better known than others. This recording of “Things We Said Today”flew under the radar when it appeared as part of a Paul McCartney tribute album in 2017. After releasing five disks of songs popularized by Frank Sinatra, perhaps Dylan will cover more Beatles songs!

[charleybruns]

As the week in which Americans celebrate the Fourth of July ends and England advances to the World Cup semifinals, it’s entertaining to hear a well-respected English musician’s perspective on the United States. In this sequel to last year’s Americana album — which was based on his 2013 book of the same name — former Kinks frontman Ray Davies shares his fantasy and the reality of the former English colony that he experienced. It’s worth a listen, and then some.

[charleybruns]

This new poem was inspired by a story about baseball great Ted Williams. It didn't end as well for Williams and his family, but there is always hope for others. A reading of it at the 4th Annual Pier Village Poetry Festival in Long Branch, NJ this past week was dedicated to John Marquez, my uncle.

[charleybruns]

A rider from New Mexico captures the simple wonders of his first experience on New York's subway system for New York Times readers.

[charleybruns]

Ice-cold temperatures that literally froze the water fountain at Bryant Park didn’t deter the masses from taking in the splendor that is midtown Manhattan during Christmas season. Washington Square Park was considerably quieter.

[charleybruns]

Subway lovers

She burrowed her weary hooded head

on his chest as the train left the station.

Across the aisle he closed his young eyes

while she cushioned his head on her chest.

A cold day in the big city didn’t faze

busy Christmas shoppers and tourists.

The sounds and crowds of a packed train

didn’t faze lovers underneath the hustle and bustle.

[charleybruns]

Charleston, autumn 2017

It’s one of the oldest cities in the southern United States, and has always had a reputation for being among the “friendliest” in the country. It’s also had its share of ups and downs, right up to contemporary times. But Charleston, originally Charles Town, sometimes known as Chucktown, retains its marvelous architecture. 

The seaside city’s beauty is most visible in the numerous churches around the city, and in the Battery neighborhood, whose homes aren’t necessarily too stately for a few Halloween decorations.  

[charleybruns]

Savannah, October 2017

It’s been referred to as a smaller, tamer New Orleans. And, yes, there is something about Savannah that reminds me of the Crescent City. But this charming Georgia town, in addition to its expansive waterfront, fine restaurants and well preserved (or carefully renovated) architecture, also boasts many perfectly manicured squares. it can make you feel intoxicated without touching a drink.  

[charleybruns]

Coney Island, October 2017

It still lives. 

You can argue it’s thriving these days, a decade after plans were made to demolish it. But, Robert Moses couldn’t kill it after World War II. And, Fred Trump couldn’t 20 years later, either.

Coney Island was vibrant this past Sunday, as all kinds of families and young people enjoyed its mix of old and new attractions on a beautiful day. Yes, it retains its Brooklyn grittiness. 

It still lives. 

[charleybruns]

Bridges of New Jersey

They don’t carry the name of the first U.S. president. They simply do what they were built for: allow commuter and freight trains, trucks, cars and pedestrians to pass over water. Recently, one was even modified to allow container ships to pass under it.

They’re some of the “ugly” bridges of New Jersey, designed for function, with little concern for aesthetics. From the Hackensack and Passaic rivers and other waterways they cross, however, they look just fine.