“The Graves of Saint Paul” published at Hotel by Masticadores

On By Mike U.In Stories

Hello, everyone. My new short creative nonfiction story titled  “The Graves of Saint Paul” is now live at Hotel by Masticadores. I’m truly grateful to editor Michelle Navajas for sharing this piece with her readers at Hotel. It’s a bit of an anomaly for me as I generally write poetry exclusively. Back in my younger days (prior to giving up writing for twenty years out of frustration), prose was my vehicle for expressing myself, and although none of my fictional pieces from my early years found a home at a publishing house, they still hold meaning for me. It was a thrill to actually complete a short story again after thirty-three years, and I hope this is only the beginning and that more will come. This piece is based on elements of fact, with a bit of creative license included. Thanks a bunch, Michelle, for this opportunity.

“The Graves of Saint Paul”
© 2025 by Michael L. Utley

“My mother lay in the ground at my feet beneath sun-bleached summer grass and faded plastic flowers and a headstone I hadn’t seen for nearly ten years. Her name, Victoria, clung to the gray stone above a bas-relief of pines and wild flowers and blue birds. She’d asked for a cross on her headstone—made it clear to everyone that she desired her faith to be front and center after she died—but my father, in his infinite malice and pettiness, had chosen some random wilderness picture rather than honor her wish. Just one more reason I hated him.

And now, his name sullied my mother’s headstone.

Ten years. Ten years of shame and regret. I hadn’t visited my mother since the headstone was erected shortly after her burial. For months after her death, I made excuses to avoid the trip to town, to the cemetery. At first, it was too raw, too soon. Maybe in a few weeks, a month or two, then I could do it. And then my life flipped upside-down again and I relocated out-of-state unexpectedly and that felt like a more legitimate reason, but I always intended to visit her grave like a good son should. Except…except maybe I wasn’t such a good son after all…”

You can read the rest of my story here:

“The Graves of Saint Paul” by Michael L. Utley

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14 thoughts on ““The Graves of Saint Paul” published at Hotel by Masticadores”

    1. Thank you, Beth. Strolling through the minefield of memories in this one, I reckon. Working through some things takes forever, it seems. I guess the point is to keep trying, eh? I appreciate your stalwart support, my friend. Here’s hoping your upcoming weekend is peaceful. 😊

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  10. This story tugs at my heart, Mike, but the message is so important for the well-being of anyone who needs it. To just live and let go is difficult to make happen. But I hope someday you’ll find peace in your mind, heart, and soul.
    Hugs, my friend ❤️

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