Author Archives: leodenatale

Invisible Man By Leo de Natale A grain of sand through the hourglass how quickly it falls A metaphor for those whose time rapidly accelerates Oh we were warned how one’s age becomes a freight train Out of control. Blink of an eye 40, the blink of an eye 50, the blink of an eyeContinue reading “Invisible Man”

If Franz Kafka Were An Optometrist By Leo de Natale Illustrations by Vince Giovannucci Kafkaesque: Czech-born German language writer Franz Kafka whose surreal fiction vividly expressed anxiety, alienation and powerlessness of the individual in the 20th century. The word Kafkaesque is often applied to bizarre and impersonal administrative situations where the individual feels powerless toContinue reading “If Franz Kafka Were An Optometrist”

Automobilus  Asisninus By Leo de Natale Illustrations by Vince Giovannucci Anyone driving a car these days knows how perilous it has become. Every time motorists fasten their seat belts and enter such death zones as Rte. 128 or the Massachusetts Turnpike, there’s always potential for mayhem. All drivers face the possibility of horrific accidents. PerhapsContinue reading “Automobilus Asisninus”

Skeeve By Leo de Natale Illustrations by Vince Giovannucci Skeeve is an Anglicized version of the derogatory Italian adjective, schivo . The word is defined as someone or something that is disgusting. Filthy–dirty. It can mean the condition of someone’s house or a person who is unhygienic and smells. It can be used for aContinue reading “Skeeve”

B. O. Plenty By Leo de Natale Illustrations by Vince Giovannucci In 1931, cartoonist Chester Gould created a newspaper comic strip, Dick Tracy. It was immensely popular and introduced America to a cast of characters that became household names. One of them was a disheveled roustabout named B. O. Plenty, who, as the name impliedContinue reading “B.O.Plenty”

It’s All About The Chrome By Leo de Natale Illustrations by Vince Giovannucci           It was the last week of April, 2021 and all Dr. Vito Di Stronzo wanted was a new car.  In his 65 years he dreaded a time that affects us all: dealing with car people and the labyrinthine  world of automobilesContinue reading “It’s All About The Chrome”

Paradise, Sicilian Style By Leo de Natale Drawing by Vince Giovannucci On the eastern coast of Sicily lies a small village that has been luring inhabitants for millennia. Its name is Taormina and is located on a coastal roadway between Messina and Catania. The village is actually located more than 800 feet above the azureContinue reading “Paradise, Sicilian Style”

Brownie By Leo de Natale I was rummaging through some cardboard boxes in my attic last week. They’d been stored away after my wife and I sold our property in Belmont, Massachusetts three years ago. Near the bottom of one of the boxes lay a black, rectangular device with rounded edges. I smiled and reactedContinue reading “Brownie”

Der Kaiser ByLeo de Natale He is age twelve and old. His muzzle is gray, has white whiskers and his body has changed. His name is Kaiser and he is a German Shepherd Dog. His life has developed a rhythmic pattern. Eat, sleep and tend to bodily functions. Despite his age, Kaiser is a happyContinue reading “Der Kaiser”

Shine My Shoes By Leo de Natale Attached to a basement wall lies a family heirloom. It is not fine china, a framed portrait or a family coat-of-arms. The inheritance is a homely, rickety cast iron shoe shine rack that has served three generations. It is approximately 100 years old and is still used toContinue reading “Shine My Shoes”