Cornfield Laughter : A Short Novel and Ten Short Stories

The novella, "Cornfield Laughter," is an interesting parody, and tale of the lives of a number of characters, in particular, two: Shannon O'Day, a retired labour worker in the Midwest (a man direct, with little social trappings), who seems to have led an arduous life of drinking, brawling, to a point, womanizing. And Poggi Ingway, past-middle age, a foundry worker; it is 1966. Both are searching for contentment in life. Shannon thought he had it, until his wife left. Poggi seems to have left it in San Francisco, in an afternoon affair. For that matter, all the characters in the story are seeking in one way or another, that same ingredient, contentment. Yet Poggi anticipates suicide. The story ends as all the characters are drawn together, a glimpse of their lives are given to the reader...to include the promiscuous young Annabelle and her co-worker Maribel, Old Josh the diner cook, Jake and Zam-Zam (a tap dancer). Included in the book are ten short stories; four in English and Spanish: "In the Eyes of the Bull" (Seville, 1998); "Hills like Green Iguanas," (Vietnam, 1971); "A Toucan against One" (from the Amazon); "The Book Story" (a spoof, of sort); and several others.