Crux is not a Christian book but a collection of secular stories, a few of which underscore Christianity’s obtrusion on others. In these examples, context is Southern Indiana long ago, a lovely natural setting and sometimes harsh backdrop for a young Jew. History is rife with abuse. Personal baggage is unpacked here, no offense intended.

"My Teacher Has a Big Red Apple" first appeared in Lonely Hearts, Changing Worlds (Permanent Press, Sag Harbor, NY, 2001), reprinted with permission, and with encouragement from Bill McCauley, who said, “If you ever want to know how to write a short story, read 'My Teacher Has a Big Red Apple.'”

It still makes me laugh, so here it is.

"In the Blue" hits home where least expected, in fear. A snorkel executive won’t share certain tales with tourists on vacay. But here it is. Why?

Because Crux goes to mortality and milestones on the way. Meaning can be nuanced in ethereal contact, with brief insight to the all of all, until that last transit, when essence changes. Consequence may linger in spirit. Or not.

Just for fun, here too are "Hagan’s Trial" and "Top of the Arch", first appearing in Hagan’s Trial & Other Stories (Edward R. Smallwood, Tucson, AZ 1995). Both recall innocent times and less tangle in the weave and warp. "Top of the Arch" is nearly verbatim, unfolding when Old Mom wasn’t even 70.

"Mai Li" samples a Chinese worldview, heaven help us.

Jewish youth in Southern Indiana included, for me, doses of stiff-neck anti-Semitism. "Fire & Ice" is excerpted from The Ice King (Edward R. Smallwood, Tuscon, 1995). "Hoosier Daddy" is a new perspective on that time.

Crux is a convergence of secular and religious Jews coming to terms and, more importantly, replacing claims of dominance and domain with humble resolution.

Christian Caucasian ideology often presumes that America is a Christian nation. America is a free nation, as taught in junior high in Southern Indiana in the late ’50s. The crux for Jews is that some people will not forget you are Jewish, even if you do.

It’s up and back on a meeting with a future president in "Something from Nothing".

Animal love is key to life. "All the Time in the World" takes a long view on value. "I, Rufus" is a romp at the dog pound.

What happens when former spouses meet and greet 50 years on? "Bingo Bombers". Which comes full circle.

Is the end bitter?

Could be.

Or it could open to a sweet bye ’n bye, where regrets fade like all else. Experience is food for thought. My headiest repast came out of the blue. The face of God can take any form. "In the Blue" is inevitable. I replay it to glimpse the summit at depth.