An Engineer's Perspective – Page 23 – If an Engineer can't fix it, we're in trouble

Scattered Cobblestones

R.M. Dolin, February 23, 2024 You can no more change the contrasting colors of sunset than you can rescue tired bones from long forgotten sidewalks, or keep someone from leaving even though they’re still in love. Paris paints me in taunting echos of laughter and …

Pretzels (soft)

Sometimes you just feel like a soft warm pretzel dipped in mustard, so here is a a basic recipe to follow. The thing about pretzels is that you have to follow a very specific process similar to making bagels. The key for getting the pretzels …

Day After Today

R.M. Dolin, February 15, 2024 Loving you is the easiestmost wonderful thing I’ve ever done,or will ever do again.You brought a profound peaceto my life; a tenderness I cherisheach time we were together.Even while half-a-world separates us,this day leads to the next,that leads to the …

Relativity of Time

R.M. Dolin, February 9, 2024 Your trepidations are validgiven the many challengeswe must endure.I share those concerns,but view them as temporary strugglesworth the hardship.Though we can’t be togetherright nowas we’d like,love is not governed bytime or distance.One year, two years,even five, is but a momentrelative …

It’s Easy to Find

R.M. Dolin, February 7, 2024 It’s awkwardly painfulhaving to hide our loveuntil at leastthose reasonsthat seem so constrainingno longer matter.I anticipate that momentwith the eagernessof a high desert flowerwaiting for rain.It’s easy to find someoneto be with every day,someone who’ll love meopenly and unafraid,but I …

Reuniting

R.M. Dolin, February 17, 2024 It’s the bizarre juxtaposition of returning home to find a familiar friend, and being someplace new for the very first time uncertain about expectations. Seeing you again, is like looking into the tormented future of what once was, confident it’s …

Poker Face

R.M. Dolin, January 30, 2024 I quietly win at poker because of the qualityway I hide myselffrom the world.

Forever Girl

R.M. Dolin, February 7, 2024 I regret my misguided rant on our last walk and the unfortunate way I vented frustration. If only I had Aladdin’s lamp for just one wish, I’d get that moment back. I can accept we can’t be together right now, …

Watershed Moment

R.M. Dolin, February 5, 2024 I have to see you, hold your tender hands, look deeply into your soft eyes that cannot lie, to know it’s really over. If not now, then when I’m in Paris for the Roubaix Challenge, which is currently in jeopardy. …

Dulcinea

R.M. Dolin, February 14, 2024 I’m a hapless romanticwith tenuous tethers to realitywho fantasizes about finishing at Roubaixexhausted, muddied, and worn,but joyfully happy to see you waitingin your blue dress holdinga single white roseand a soft tender smile.It’s silly I know, especially aftersaying you no …