Jonathan Carroll's Blog, page 2

Smoking Blind

Three women are standing in a doorway. All three have those long white canes that indicate they’re blind. In their other hands they hold cigarettes. As they chat, they puff merrily away. Real hardcore smokers by the look of things. As a one- time devotee of the delights of tobacco, I watch them thinking what’s the pleasure of smoking when you can’t see it? I remember in the old days I’d have a cigarette in the dark occasionally but always found it very unsatisfying if I couldn’t see the gray clo...

One Moment

In an email from a friend: “Remember our discussion the other day about if you had one wish what would it be? I finally figured out what mine is, and I’m not talking about the old cliches of I’d wish for world peace or a lot of money.

I would like one moment of pure courage in my life. One moment or one incident in which I do something absolutely and unquestionably courageous. It wouldn’t have to be big or major either. Something as small as telling someone off who really deserves it. Or taking c...

Potential

When they were together, she always saw him as larger than he saw himself. Ironically, the worst thing she ever did in their relationship was to show him a glimpse, give him a taste, a sniff, a touch of what he could have been and might have achieved if only hed had the courage, the drive, and desire to at least try. For some people it is really better for them not to see how great their potential is.

Potential was originally published in Jonathan Carroll on Medium, where people are continuing...

Can you…

art by Jack Barnosky

Can you love someone but not be comfortable around them?
Can you trust someone but have little faith in them?
Can you believe in someone but not trust their judgment?
Can you forgive someone but ever really forget the smell of what they did?

Can you was originally published in Jonathan Carroll on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

An Unfinished Story

Long after, he remembered the number of the room, the smell of her skin lotion, the shape of a small purple bruise on her arm, her long beautiful hands. How carefully she prepared her tea, the soft music playing in the background. Suitcases open on the bed.
It is the greatest compliment you can pay to a person, even if you are not able to tell them: remembering everything down to the finest detail about a day, an afternoon hours when all things large and small in your life glow because they...

The Tale of the Titles

concept by Phil Shaw

Read the titles from left to right

The Tale of the Titles was originally published in Jonathan Carroll on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The Lying Hand

A writer friend signs autographs in a beautiful calligraphic style. We spoke of this one day because of our shared interest in elegant handwriting. Half seriously I said even though his signature looks great, its fake. Because its not his real signature  its one hes created and sculpted like clay. I know his real handwriting and its sloppy. We batted this idea back and forth for a while. Smiling, he said its true his autograph signature is not really him, but I wish it were. Then he compared...

Just Because…

Just because youre rich doesnt mean youre smart.

Just because youre smart doesnt mean youre wise.

Just because youre wise doesnt mean youre infallible.

Just because youre infallible doesnt mean youre just.

Just because youre just doesnt mean youre kind.

Just because youre kind is usually enough.

Just Because was originally published in Jonathan Carroll on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Spring Concert

Around six in the evening, I take the dog out. We amble along on our normal walk. Just as were turning a corner, what sounds like the entire neighborhood starts clapping. Its a nice balmy evening so windows are open and the applause is everywhere. Taken aback a moment, it then comes to me  Of course, around the world people burst into spontaneous applause at certain appointed times for all the incredibly brave health workers fighting this pandemic. Its heartwarming and goes on for a...

Introduction to VOICE OF OUR SHADOW

I grew up in a town about an hour from New York City. It was in the Hudson Valley right on the river. When we lived there most of the residents were either Irish or Italian, descendants of the workers who had built the New York Central railroad and eventually settled in the area. I gather the town is very chic now because of its proximity to Manhattan and houses that once sold for barely five figures are now almost seven. But my memories are of a gritty, mostly lower middle class burg where...