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lou J's avatar

My dad had a thing for a handful of saltine crackers crunched into a glass then topped off with milk. A child of the Great Depression, he was born to two deaf parents, his mom killed by a train at age 6. I never liked the snack though I would often agree to have some just to be by his side and listen to his sounds of joy. I tried the crackers and milk again about a week ago. I think saltines have gotten saltier since he died.

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lou J's avatar

My dad had a thing for a handful of saltine crackers crunched into a glass then topped off with milk. A child of the Great Depression, he was born to two deaf parents, his mom killed by a train at age 6. I never liked the snack though I would often agree to have some just to be by his side and listen to his sounds of joy. I tried the crackers and milk again about a week ago. I think saltines have gotten saltier since he died.

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An K.'s avatar

Brotherhood served on a Ritz cracker.. doesn't get much better.. does it?!!!

Thank you! :)

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Holly Starley's avatar

I love a poem about camaraderie on a Greyhound. Having passed some travels aboard these chariots, I too, have found companions, willing to share whatever they have with them. It’s typically their stories I like best. Thank you for sharing your work here, Sherman.

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Jennifer Lauck's avatar

Great poem. Thank you. I'm going to slather some PB on a Ritz now!

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Travis DeVore's avatar

I read "Crackers" after "Theology 101," and it played tricks on me...Ritz Crackers as Communion.

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Ash Kilback's avatar

I love when synchronicities show up in our lives this way. What a special moment, thanks for sharing ❤️

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LeeAnn Pickrell's avatar

I love this! Ritz crackers are surprisingly delicious!

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Ivy-Rose Opal's avatar

This is a lovely memory, and shared so beautifully. Thank you

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HELEN L JENSON's avatar

Hello, Sherman Alexie. Not to take anything away from your experiences just to add that I too have had such encounters with folks that I don’t know but feel related too.

Birds of a feather 🪶

Hugs HELENLOUISE J

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Joan DeMartin's avatar

I love the "bus scenes" in your writing, Sherman, including in Smoke Signals.

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DeeDee D's avatar

This will keep me grinning.

the layers of the piece just keep opening up.

Like a heart released from jail

or something.

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Kate Bradley's avatar

Very nice - lighthearted!

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C. Elyse's avatar

Adorable!

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Lamoreaux's avatar

This is an excellent poem!

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Juanita Washington's avatar

Ritz remind me of my aunt who took me sunrise fishing so I could bate her hooks for her. She always had Ritz, commodity cheese, sardines, and potted meat. The good old days!

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yvonne's avatar

We rarely got Ritz crackers but potted meat on saltines was a treat. I still sometimes indulge and it gives me a pleasant memory.

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