Pretend – October 7, 2019 Weekly
Halloween approaches, and with it an endless supply of artificial skins to slip into. Most of us have dreamed of or played at being someone or something else. We might seek a little more magic in our lives, or wish to soar near the sun. Circumstances might lead us to create an imaginary friend, or stage an informal marriage ceremony. Sometimes we just want to watch a story where everything works out fine. Even if the reason is unclear, it can feel really good to don an alias for a day and pretend.
"Coffeeshop Alias" by Ellen Huang
But the funniest thing is she decides
a different name every day,
for every caffeinated concoction,
every drink sharpie-adorned with title
all for our announcement of some
princess, sorcerer, or sidekick.
"The White Elephant" by Norman Klein
Last night there he was alive,
sitting in her chair, eating her
pretzels, smoking her smokes,
turning sullen and telling me,
his life is flat out misery.
"Eyes on the Sun" by Rickey Rivers Jr.
You can join me you know.
Close your eyes, open your heart, free your mind.
You too will see the sun as I do.
You too will travel
so very far from home.
"Rom-com" by Maura Yzmore
She returns with two coffees
sloshing in paper cups;
sees the man from behind.
He’s distressed, kicking dirt,
and she knows, as do we,
that he has feelings for her.
"Raw" by Monica Kagan
I long for magic in my life…
Does that sound silly?
I long for wings and wands
Instead of claws and sores.
Amazing Things Are Happening Here (Book Review)
Our mainland pachyderms recently ventured out to some islands, courtesy of Jacob M. Appel’s Amazing Things Are Happening Here. And despite the irony in the title’s origin, we found Appel’s worlds eye-opening and, well, amazing.