In Memoriam

Written by Len Slatest

Len Slatest passed away on November 6, after a long struggle with writer's block.

“This is surreal," his friend Bill commented. “I had contacted him just last week, and remember he was very introspective, saying he'd been thinking long and hard about his life, concluding, ‘I want to give something back.' Then he handed me the pair of novelty socks I'd given him for Christmas."

Mr. Slatest was a financial opportunist who sold advertising space. Now he rests eternally in Anyville Rural Cemetery, where his tombstone is engraved with his name and:

Rudy’s Steakhouse
Happy Hour 5 PM Fridays

He was a community force, even receiving recognition from the Anyville County Police Department as a “person of interest".

The departed belonged to the Anyville Library writing group. When asked to say a few words in memory of him, its leader Peter stated, “He regularly attended."

A fellow member reminisced, “The thing I most remember about him is he didn't always use the em dash when he should have."

He leaves behind an angry neighbor, waiting for the return of hedge clippers borrowed by the deceased.

About the Author

Len Slatest's fiction and poetry have been published in numerous literary magazines, with some of his pieces awarded cash. He is nominated for a 2026 Pushcart Prize.

Len can be contacted at disputedunit@gmail.com.