Martin Road in Black and White

Jon Naso

The Star Ledger

Atta Boy!, Michael Unis, 13, gets encouraging pat from next door neighbor Mr. Thomas Hatchet, lifelong resident and former Verona High School football star during the late 1940’s, as the teen returns from a nearby store with school supplies for upcoming term. “Were all a family here” volunteers Michael, with stunning maturity when asked about his neighbor. “Rich is the new kid on the block.” says Mr. Hatchet, referring to Michael’s father. Then ponders, “...Whats he here, eighteen years?”

Jon Naso, "Martin Road in Black and White," in POYi Archive, Item #30836, http://archive.poy.org/items/show/30836 (accessed June 14, 2025).