62. The Unexpected (August, 2026) Episode description: The Muses look at the universe and the pedestrian aspects of our lives that accost us as unexpected. Surprise, reversals, tense moments, and losses punctuate our existence at regular intervals. And yet, we are always taken aback as if there is a “normal” way our lives should proceed. Join us for poetry that commemorates some of the moments, music that surprises, fiction that raises a few hackles, and patter about the selections. Don’t forget to look over your shoulder for what is coming next…
Song 1: “Surprise,” composed & performed by John V Modaff, member of the group “Good Enough” and part-time bicycle mechanic.
POEM 1: “Magnitude 7.6, San Francisco 1906” by Mikki Aronoff. Her new book of fairy tales in 2026 is called Neverafters: A collection of fairy and folk tales, of hauntings and whispers, of nibbles and notions, with co-authors Christine H. Chen, and Amy Marques.
Fiction: “Desolation,” a short story by Lynn C. Miller. Her most recent publication is the novel The Surrogate, 2026. www.lynncmiller.com
Feed the Cat Break: “New Boots” by John V Modaff, with guitar by Kelly Modaff.
Poem 2: “nobody saw her” by Mary Oishi, Albuquerque Poet Laureate (2020-2022), and the author of three poetry collections, most recently Sidewalk Cruiseship (University of New Mexico Press, 2024).
Song 2: “Walk Away” (composed & performed by John V Modaff)
Episode artwork by Lynda Miller
Theme & original incidental music, John V. Modaff, BMI
Recorded in Albuquerque NM and Morehead KY. Produced at The Creek Studio
NEXT UP on Episode 63: She said, He said