Floyd E. Friedli

The Popes Piano is a collection of three short fiction stories. The first two tales, Violin Master and The Popes Piano, have central music themes. Several cats are side characters in the last two stories. All three are best described as religious mysteries where strange, magical things happen that are best attributed to the workings of God.

The third story, The Kitten with the Bent Ear, describes a college professor leading class discussions on important and difficult topics that affect our daily lives, like the death penalty, expensive medical procedures, abortion, immigration, and end-of-life medical decisions. Interspersed with the class discussion is the story of the professors cats, including one with several deformities. In The Kitten with the Bent Ear, the harsh and pragmatic decisions animals in the wild take is contrasted to what are mans options. This story will allow each of us to see all sides of controversial issues and help you solidify your thinking as to what are practical and just solutions.

The trilogy may bring the reader closer to God and let you enjoy the mysteries of life. With love and belief, anything is possible, even miracles.