a Yank, lived abroad for decades. His initial journey was required — war —but thereafter, he went willingly. He returned to the homeland for college (L.A. and San Francisco) and later grad school (UT-Austin, then a fellowship at Hawaii’s East West Center, where Obama’s parents met), then he was gone again.
He learned in college that “deracination”—to lose one’s roots—is how science labels the expatriation process. Yet he doesn’t see the process as one of subtraction, but rather addition. His roots are intact, enhanced via exposure to cultures unlike that into which he was born.
Duffy is also the author of Bar Kafka, the captivating story of Joe Nickerson’s adventures after serving in Vietnam, which was featured in Season 1 of the PenDust Radio podcast.
Rubbish
written by Francis Duffy
Rubbish is a short story about Joe Nickerson’s cross-country hitchhiking adventure as he’s on his way to serve in the Vietnam war. As Joe waits for rides, holding a sign that reads “TO WAR – VIA L.A. – U.S. Marine Corps,” he recalls his draft-dodging father, his lioness of a mother, and how his youth in Catholic schools with hard-knuckle nuns made his transition to boot camp easier. Then, when the draft from a GTO passing at 70 mph spins his sign, he has an unexpected encounter with a raven-haired woman named Rita.
Francis Duffy is also the author of Bar Kafka, the captivating story of Joe Nickerson’s adventures after serving in Vietnam, which was featured in Season 1 of the PenDust Radio podcast.
Also on PenDust Radio by Francis Duffy: Unlearn.
© 2017 Francis Duffy | Recording © 2022 Rivercliff Books & Media. All rights reserved.
This story was first published in Amarillo Bay literary magazine, 2017.
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | Stitcher | Email
He learned in college that “deracination”—to lose one’s roots—is how science labels the expatriation process. Yet he doesn’t see the process as one of subtraction, but rather addition. His roots are intact, enhanced via exposure to cultures unlike that into which he was born.
Duffy is also the author of Bar Kafka, the captivating story of Joe Nickerson’s adventures after serving in Vietnam, which was featured in Season 1 of the PenDust Radio podcast..
Q&A with Francis
Tell us about your story...
Like the story’s Joe Nickerson, I did receive orders to war (Vietnam), and did decide to hitchhike from my home state (NJ) to my next duty station (south of Los Angeles) for pre-war training. Reason I hitched: to see the land I was being sent abroad to defend against ‘godless commies.’
What was the inspiration for this story?
At mercy of samaritans, on a desolate road, at night, in the middle of nowhere, bound for a worse place. Amid terror, sometimes (if one is lucky) allies surface. Their kindness has stayed with me all these decades, more so than what I would see and do after I finally arrived at war.
Who or what has has most influenced your writing?
Probably Mom who, soon after I arrived at Danang (Vietnam), sent a letter with sound advice: “WRITE OFTEN! Describe ALL you see, hear, smell, do and think. No details are too small! Also, date each letter at top of first page, so decades from now you’ll enjoy reading how you were then and there.”
I obeyed, so she could see faraway land via my eyes. When I returned from war 33 months later, I found hundreds of my letters stashed in her dresser drawers.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Every other day at gym, NOT trying to bulk up but rather light weights plus cardio (did several marathons when younger). Close eyes when on cardio machine (gripping pulse handles), sketching sentences I’ll keyboard later.
If You Enjoyed This Episode…
give these a listen!
Unlearn
FICTION | FRANCIS DUFFY
In this beautifully told story, Francis Duffy’s main character reflects on a boyhood steeped in dogma, patriarchy, and racism. His alcoholic father is often absent, and his admiration is for his “lioness” of a mother who never missed work, and put three kids through parochial schools. Before welfare, Ms. Magazine, and #MeToo.
Kicked Out of the PTA!
AMY FERGUSON
This humorous story is about all of the masks we wear to fit in with people whose masks look a little bit shinier than ours under the library lights at a PTA meeting in the affluent neighborhood of Encino, California. And it’s a story about how, deep down, we are all insecure middle-schoolers. This is a fictionalized version of true events.
Adrian’s Affinity
DEYA BHATTACHARYA
Adrian’s Affinity is a lush and lyrical story about a sensitive and intelligent boy with a special affinity — he can attract birds. It’s not a power, because he can’t control it. And it’s not an ability he wants, as it makes others — even his own mother — suspicious of him. Both a bittersweet coming-of-age tale and a haunting mystery, we’re reminded that we are all shaped by beautiful and mysterious forces as we struggle to fit in and understand ourselves. This story is dramatized.