http://slow.writerscafe.org/deadmond1969 The original writings of author The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE) en-us Copyright 2026 WritersCafe.org 1775969752 WritersCafe.org RSS Generator 15 Kindness is not a fadthat you throw awaywhen it doesn’t suit your mood.sympathy is not the latest crazethat you only try onwhen it makes you look goodto those individuals you admire.empathy is not a hip new thingyou decide to tryto look cool in the eyesyou respect, .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3130740/ Jake came to the office early to get the results from the blood on the plastic sword and finish filling out the report. He was typing away when Sally suddenly appeared, standing next to him. “Morning.”He glanced up. “ Morning, where have you been?”Sally sat down. “I sto.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3129862/ Camille Stood outside of Emily’s door while the detectives and the C.S.I. team combed the house. She told her kids to go next door and wait for her. As they walked away, Junior kept glancing over his shoulder with sadness on his face.Camille began pacing and chewing on her nails. Her body was .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3129861/ Camille quietly told her son to stay by the car, then proceeded to slowly walk towards the house.Mommy.” Junior shouted.Camille turned around and pressed her thumb to her lip, telling her son to be quiet.When she finally got to the door, she pressed her ear to it.“I don’t understan.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3129860/ As the detectives pulled into the parking lot, they saw a banner across the Spirit Halloween store informing everyone that everything in the store was fifty percent off.Jake parked in the first empty space he could find. The detectives got out and made their way towards the entrance. There were plen.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3129859/ Camille waited in her car as the bell rang. She looked around for her son. When she spotted him he was walking towards the car, his head hung low. When he reached the car he threw his back pack in, jumped into the back seat, He looked a her with saddest face.“What’s wrong sweetie?”.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3129858/ As they drove to the station, Jake asked Sally to check into Emily’s finances, and look into her credit card purchases. While he got started on running a background check to find out more about her personal past, and see if she had any arrest records.Once at the station, Jake went straight to .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3129855/ As Cassandra walked home she felt like she was on cloud nine. Despite the tragedy that her and her family occurred, her talk with her childhood friend Ally intoxicated her. She went from almost losing her best friend, in part from her stupidity, to ending up closer than ever. They talked about her d.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3129854/ The detectives went to the address Camille gave them for Joshua Miller. Jake knocked on it twice. There was no answer and no hint of movement inside.Next, they drove to Costco. It took a minute to find an open parking space. It reminded Jake why he never shopped there.As they walked into the store, .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3129853/ Camille drove as fast as she could to her gym. She was kicking herself for not thinking of Joshua sooner. Was her almost slip of unfaithfulness the reason her husband was now gone?As she entered the gym she saw Pedro Alvarez spotting a customer lifting weights. The look on his face said he was surpr.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3129502/ During the first four classes Cassandra attended, she kept very quiet. She just listened, but never engaged in asking or answering questions.When it was lunch time, she decided to get a bag of Cheetos and a can of Sprite out of the vending machines. She sat at a table by herself. She watched all of .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3129431/ insistent that he was okay. And even though he was just eight, Camille wanted to honor her boy's decision.She pulled into the parking lot. “Alright.” Camille reached over and stroked her son’s cheek. “Now you have a good day” She paused a moment and sighed. “And d.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3129430/ Once Cassandra stepped onto the Beyer High School parking lot, she felt like she couldn’t breathe. She could see many of her classmates giving her funny looks. She wondered how much they knew about Saturday night. Was Carol bragging about the cruel trick her and her friends played on her?Once .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3129189/ When Sally walked up to the station, carrying a pizza box, she made her way towards her and Jake’s desk. He was already sitting there, staring at the computer screen. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see fellow officers staring at her.Once she was about a foot from the desk, she said. &.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3129188/ Once Sally got home, she nuked a frozen spaghetti dinner, but only ate a few bites before deciding to dump it in the trash. She felt retched knowing a kid killed himself after they questioned him. Now, more than ever, the world didn’t make sense. This tragedy was another great reason to retire.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3129185/ When Jake got home, he still felt too bad to eat. Instead, he drank two bottles of Budweiser and called it a night.When he finally awoke, he looked at his phone and saw that it was two minutes past seven. His stomach felt raw. And then when he tried getting up, his head ached. He felt hungover. But .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3129090/ Camille didn’t get much sleep. Though she was beyond relieved that her daughter was home safe, she kept getting up and peeking in on the guest room to see her kids sleeping.at 6:30, she decided to get up. She took a quick shower, then went into the guest room and woke her children up. They bot.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3129089/ A minute after the detectives left the Kendricks’ house, Jake said. “You know. I’ve been thinking, maybe we need to widen our focus.”“What do you mean?” Sally replied.“Well, we’ve been assuming that Mike was the target.”“Okaaaaay.” Sa.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3128997/ Emily and Camille rode in silence, except when Emily said. “ Penny for your thoughts.” Which got no reply.Once Emily pulled up to the curb in front of the house, Camille opened the door and started to get out. She stopped and looked at Emily, who was already running the car. “Aren&.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3128996/ Inspired by Betty Hermelee's poem "The Blob" http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3128900/ While the detectives drove over to Carol’s parents' house, Jake said. “Well, this should be very interesting.”Why would you say that?” Sally replied.“Because the way Mike described her, she sounds like a teenage diva.”“So, you're judging her before we even m.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3128896/ Emily dialed the number Camille gave her for Ally. Unlike Camille, Emily’s phone got through. But it went to voicemail.Emily quickly handed the phone to Camille. After the beep, Camille left a message. “ Hi Ally. This is Cassandra’s mother. I was wondering if you could call me back.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3128894/ Jake drove to the address in Jeremy’s’s profile. After a minute, Sally said. “Boy, you were quite harsh back there.”Jake looked at her with his lip curled, then focused on the street. “Well, what kind of principal doesn’t care about the interests of her students?&.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3128677/ After the detectives left, Camille called her daughter again. This time, she left a message. “Please, hon. Call me when you get this message. I’m really worried about you.”Next, she called Ally again. Again, she heard three beeps. “What the f**k.” She exclaimed to herse.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3128676/ There was a minute of silence as Jake drove them to Downey High School, finally Sally said. “You don’t really think Cassandra killed her dad?”Jake glanced at her, then focused on the road. “I really don’t know. I haven’t even met her yet.”Sally sighed. &ldqu.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3128675/ At Starbucks, Sally got a caramel Frappuccino, while Jake got a hot coffee with ten sugars to put in it. Sally inhaled her drink that caused a brain freeze. Jake sipped his while driving.Once they arrived at the neighborhood, Jake pulled next to the first house on the left.They went door to door. Ev.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3128552/ Jake walked into the station and went straight to the desk he shared with Sally. She was nowhere around. He put the box on the desk and took a jelly doughnut out. As he started to take a bite, he heard Sally say. “Starting tour day off healthy, I see.”Jake turned around just as Sally was.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3128550/ Camille woke up feeling hungover due to the hardest talk she’s ever had with her son. She told him His dad is in heaven because God needed another Soldier for good. But he’ll be watching over him whatever he does, and he'd better be good.Her husband had been a very strict person since th.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3128149/ Sally stopped by Walmart on her way home to get a six-pack of beer. She wasn’t much of a drinker but had a rare craving for it. Maybe it was the sight of the bleeding corpse. Or maybe it was the thought of what Mike’s wife and kid were about to go through. Especially after seeing hersobb.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3128148/ Sunday, November 1st, 2026Jake got home just in time to tuck in his son. He also had to deal with more grief from his ex-wife, Maggie. After all the moments of bitterness had toned down, she agreed to let him stay the night so he could sleep over with his son. He took the sleeping bags and pillows o.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3128147/ As they approached Emily’s house, they agreed it would be best to question them separately. Though neither didn’t think either wasinvolved in the killing, it would be best for the integrity of the investigation.Once at the door, Jake knocked on it.When the door opened, Camille was standi.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3128058/ As they crossed the street Jake said, “Did you get a good look at the body?”“I picked up the sheet. He was lying in the fetal position. I figured I’d let the c.s.i.’s and coroner take a closer look at him.”“Well I think I can already guess the cause of death.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3128057/ Jake Stone was not a happy camper as he drove to answer a call about a homicide. Although he loved police work, and being a detective was his dream job since he was in high school,. This was the one thing he hated about it: being called away during family time. In this case, trick or treating with h.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3127951/ After an hour of trolling through the surrounding neighborhood, Camille thought that her son had plenty of sugar treats to last him a lifetime, with a little left to satisfy her sweet tooth.As they approached their house, she was holding juniors hand. she said. “Did you have fun?”Junior .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3127950/ Mike took a moment to cool off before putting the sheet back on. He grabbed the candy bowl, walked over to the couch and sat down, placing the bowl in his lap.There was a knock on the door before he had the chance to get comfortable. He walked to the door and opened it.“Trick or treat,” .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3127852/ Saturday, October 31st, 2026“ Are you about ready?” Camille shouted as she put on her "I Dream of Jeannie" outfit. She was often told she looked like Barbra Eden, so this year she decided to go as her character on the classic show for Halloween.“I’m coming, I’m coming.&.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3127851/ http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3127850/ I saw a flower today,it spoke with me.not with words.by symbolism.the symbol of whatthis seasons represents,for the most part… Life.New life from seeds plantedmonths ago.when winter wouldn’t letanything grow.and the resurrection of lifeof Mother Nature’.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/3127594/ Autumn’s KissRed and goldfall from the skyand scatter about the ground.some gently glide across the earthand seemingly dance like alfred astairewith his feet off of the groundwhen Autumnblows a kissso humans can seethe beauty in death. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/2999591/ A little something just for fun http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/2962609/ For my deae friend that passed away last night http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/2961316/ The Past is likeA rear view mirror.Except moments that just happen Are as close as they appear. And the rest disappearinto the miles of your memories.So many are good enoughto keep you warmwhen the hear and nowfeels like a snowstormwithout shelter.But many otherscan.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/2959911/ My test book "With Down to my last breath is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle.Ita a collection of my poems and real life stories.  with a story about my mom and my stroke, it is my most personal book to date.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FMYTGTF7?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/2958859/ Just like airis essential to life,Words were meant to flow from meTill the day that I die.For a creative natureIs a gift god gave me,And I don’t intend to returnOr waste it.Words feel like ingredients, And I know how to ad and mix themin my mindWithout needing a recipe.With a heap of.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/2957886/ So let me end this by saying again. The is not about sympathy or feeling sorry for myself. But rather a lesson on not only how precious life if, but how quickly lid life can change in a heartbeat. So never take anything for granted.I’ve survived heart surgery and a stroke, but in the words.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/2957731/ When I was finally strong enough to walk around safely I got in tough with the manager of the hardware store I worked at before my stroke.My first day back was exhilarating.  I was able to do most of what I did before my stroke. I put away the merchandise, cleaned and straightened the shelves.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/2957730/ My girlfriend took me home the next day. But before we left the staff wanted to get a picture with me. I was to hold up a sign that said “congratulation Dale”. But they had the wrong name on the sigh. They took the picture anyways and We Left.It felt so good when I walked through th.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/2957728/ While my stay at the rehab center I had four roommates in those three months. During that time I eventually lost my sense of taste and smell. I had figured it was because my nose was stuffed because they wouldn’t let have nose spray, not even saline solution to help clear my sinuses. Also I st.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/2957726/ The next event I fully remember is the ambulance taking me from the hospital to the rehab center. My girlfriend rode with us. She use t work at the rehab center and knew the director there. She got me signer in and helped the nurses get me settled in my my temporary room.The first person I shared th.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/2957725/ We lived in Turlock, Ca at the time. The hospital we were at wasn’t equipped to handle the situation so they choppered me to the hospital in Modesto.My next recollection came when I was in the hospital. It was very hazy. I do remember having a dream I was walking into a house. The television w.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/deadmond1969/2957724/