by Anuja Ghimire Agnes left the prayer hall before the pianist returned to her seat and the happy people who stood up to applaud the middle-aged woman noticed. She needed to wash the baby’s face from her eyes. Sharon had carried him like a prize. He wiggled his feet near the sparkling water, looked at Agnes, and smiled. And Sharon Read More
Tag: pretends
The White Elephant
by Norman Klein My worst nightmare, JG’svisiting her sick mother,leaving me nothing buther white elephantto keep me company. Last night there he was alive,sitting in her chair, eating herpretzels, smoking her smokes,turning sullen and telling me,his life is flat out misery. He watches me burn spaghettiin a pot, spill napkins on the floor,and after sampling a meatballgets down on his Read More
Coffeeshop Alias
by Ellen Huang She comes in with black-framed glasses to see the menubut takes them off briefly for a flicker of posed reflection. She may come with black tee,bright characters, cheap amulet from Amazon& overstuffed Ugly Duckling tote bag. She may take extra time staring like a psychic,but the menu she’s choosing from seems to be something improvised in the Read More
Happy Turkey Day
Happy Turkey Day from our flock to your herd! Thank you to all of our readers and contributors, and we hope you enjoy that other holiday.
Happy Turkey Day from our flock to your herd! Thank you to all of our readers and contributors, and we hope you enjoy that other holiday.
The Afternoon of Your Cremation
by Leah Mueller Strip from bone and evaporate to wherever the dried blood goes. Memories seethe: your abrupt assault, your terrified love. Bulbous digits, teeth in a sawdust box embossed with an Indian’s head. Wishbone and sage. You always said I talked too much, though my voice never reached very far. I pretend you were kind, pretend you wanted our Read More