by Deane H. Shapiro, Jr., Ph.D.
From a Review:
“An endlessly fascinating exploration of the human psyche, a bildungsroman of a young man’s intensely subjective first person narrative… J’s is a novel of ideas, a love story, a sharing of wisdom teachings from different spiritual and philosophical traditions.”
THE LAST HARBOR
A Novella
Deane H. Shapiro, Jr
“Evocative and intelligent,”* this novella, written when the author was 23, takes place on a day celebrating an older couple’s 40th anniversary. It describes the man, as he prepares to give his final lecture on the wisdom of Zen study and practice that evening; the woman as she prepares for their afternoon tea ceremony, and their time alone and apart throughout the day as they reminisce about their life, their hopes, the challenges they have and do face, and the sparks of love between them.
* Michael Curtis, reviewing the submission for the Atlantic Monthly,
Johanna comments: Really well-written, cohesive novella, sometimes painful and sometimes surprisingly touching –like life! It reads partly like an exquisite haiku and partly like a Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf vicious free-for-all disturbing efforts toward Zen-like calmness wisdom.. It portrays an elderly couple’s attempt to bridge the gaps that have arisen between them and the real love they still share.
by Deane H. Shapiro, Jr
The stage is a small one room apartment. What strikes one immediately is the simplicity of the room…almost Spartan in appearance. There is no furniture in the main room. Two people are sleeping on futons. Upon each is an elaborately designed and multi-colored tie dye blanket. To the right, backstage, separating the main room from the kitchen (which is off stage back and only imagined) is a book shelf, and in various spaces within, are tastefully placed sea shells and coral—green, blue, red twigs—like underwater life.
by Deane H. Shapiro, Jr., Ph.D.
Seer (A collection of Vignettes/Short(ish) stories)
” Your poetry and short stories are surrealistic and not unlike haiku with their nature imagery and things left unsaid.”
San Jose Mercury News, Jim, Reporter, Personal Communication
Read “Seer” by story
Supplemental comments by Johanna and Deane (and kids) 45 years later
by D Shapiro
The broken pine needles irritated his feet where the leather sandals had worn through and he found it necessary to stop and pull out a splinter. He decided it was necessary to take a short rest and he messaged his swollen feet.
Johanna’s comment: I’ve always liked this story, especially since it is written by the master of control! It shows how humility is a beautiful virtue even in the most self-assured.
by Deane H. Shapiro, Jr., Ph.D.
A couple short children’s stories:
by D. Shapiro and J. Shapiro
Goal (2013)
One day before Christmas, with the lofty, ethereal, whitish red dome of the San Juan Mission behind us, and after a breakfast of “make your own Omelet” and a chocolate chip pancake, we began our meandering walk along the historical mission district’s small Carmelesque shops.
J’s comment:
8/8 In terms of Goal, which I love, it could be considered something called factual narration, which presents facts in a story form. I agree it’s not fiction, but it’s a fictionalized version of what was observed in that there is narrative “smoothing.” It’s like a haiku that meticulously observes a piece of water on a leaf – that is “factual,” but it is also art. Same for Goal. It’s not the same as The Last Harbor which is clearly fiction. Anyway, you could call the section factual narratives, or.. Either sounds good to me! Love, love, J
by D Shapiro
Fernando is an old man (89) who sings personally at each table at Olemendi’s, a Mexican restaurant we frequent. He slowly approaches the table and each time we see him (for the past thirty years), we have to take a breath. It’s not our style. We like to be out in public (and then create a private aura around us).
Johanna’s comment: A really touching story, about the singer, and about the writer – and his growth in kindness and self-awareness. I love the old man thinking his purpose was to sing – and your purpose was to listen (kindly, and maybe with one or two degrees more kindness than initially mustered). This story is a perfect example of creative nonfiction.