Sideburns
We called him "Sideburns." Somehow, in some long-forgotten childhood reasoning, that seemed a good moniker for the guy who prowled alleys and back…
Snowflakes
Carol was sitting next to the window and watching snowflakes dancing gracefully. She loved snowflakes and admired their fragile beauty. It was cold…
Rot Girl
At the time, I didn't really think about it. I was young. Weren't you once? At some point, everyone has had a morning when they wake up and regret…
NEET, Part 3
XXIX. Ben stomped out of the kitchen and into the backyard. His hand was shaking, he realized, as he drew a cigarette. He paced on the sidewalk in…
Linda
WHEN I GO TO SLEEP---I NEVER COUNT SHEEP---ALL MY DREAMS ARE ABOUT LINDA Dreams about Linda? No: more like nightmares about Linda! Dreams do not…
Psalm to Gun Violence (Ode to Mass Shootings)
Just for today (if only for a moment), I am free to rise…as daylight's rueful awakenings sparkle like awesome diamond clusters adrift clear blue…
The Manipulators
Rudely awakened by smoke inside and shouts beyond in the street, Austin struggled into his blue work shirt, stuffing wallet and keys into dark…
The Learning Question
Sitting at a two-people table, watching more than participating in the noisy office party, she looked up to see a man, drink in hand, pointing to the…
The Serpent
“The trap opened in a great big yawn and the light came shining in. Morning. Always one of the worst parts of the day. It’s sticky, stale, and it…
NEET, Part 2
XVIII. When he woke again, it was morning and the house was quiet except for rustling in the kitchen, the drip-drip of the coffee machine, and the…
