News & Views of Phillips Since 1976
Sunday December 21st 2025
Have You Heard the One About…
By Patrick Cabello Hansel
A lawyer, a pastor and a saxophone player walked into”¦a cemetery? What”™s the punchline? You”™ll have to come to “QUITTING TIME at a Place of Endless Time,” on Saturday, September 18th at 4 pm at the historic Pioneers and Soldiers Cemetery at East Lake Street and Cedar Avenue in Minneapolis.
Patrick Cabello Hansel”™s 2nd book of poetry, “Quitting Time,” is an extended elegy to his father, Walter Hansel. It engages his history from his birth into a German-speaking home in rural North Dakota, through the Great Depression, World War II, and becoming a barber and raising a family in Austin, MN.
Patrick retired in 2020 after serving with his wife Luisa for 15 years at St. Paul”™s Lutheran Church in Phillips. He is the author of the poetry collection “The Devouring Land,” and his work has been published in over 70 journals. Twice nominated for a Pushcart Prize, he has received awards from the Loft Literary Center and the Minnesota State Arts Board.
At the event, Patrick will read with prize-winning poets Tim Nolan and Richard Terrill. There will be live music with Larry McDonough on keyboards and Richard Terrill on sax. Books will be available for purchase and signing after the program, and there will be an optional tour of the historic cemetery.… Read the rest “Have You Heard the One About…”
RETURNING CHAPTER 12: THE PAST IS NOT EVEN PAST
By Patrick Cabello Hansel
Imagine you are just about to see your child that has been lost; a loss that has taken your heart to new depths of pain. You”™ve been cared for by a gentle elder, you”™ve been refreshed with the tastiest food and drink. You are ready for the miracle.
But then, our loving Agnes told Luz and Angel that they had to see ”˜just one more person.”™ Like many heroes on a quest, the parents were ready to do anything. What was one more challenge. But as Agnes told them, she shrunk down, and the light and warmth of the room took on a chill.
From a doorway at the far end of the seniors”™ community room, someone appeared. ”˜Appeared”™ may be the best word to describe this person, if it really was a person. Dressed in a torn scarlet dress, with layers of black lace, she looked more like a creation out of an older horror movie. And when she spoke everyone, including little Angel, felt a shiver.
The strange being was covered in garish makeup, so much so you could not tell if she was young or old. Her voice had the rasp of a heavy smoker, but her words were very clear.… Read the rest “RETURNING CHAPTER 12: THE PAST IS NOT EVEN PAST”
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