I pause the video during a scene at school recess. The cement court is surrounded by a tall chain link fence. The children do not play a single game. Several balls pass back and forth between them. All stop mid-air or mid-bounce when I press the button on the remote. Ghostly blurs jitter on the screen. I’m half-standing two feet from the television and still wondering why all of the children are blond. Slowly I break away and answer the knock on the door. –read more–
Posts from ‘October, 2009’
siren wail the disquiet passing lights festive
siren wail the disquiet passing lights festive
The Dispensation of Marty
He detailed the dispensation of every finger. Bones. Major organs. Where to bury his eyes — a Malibu beach. For years I kept Marty on ice. Years. Who knew Marty had that sort of testament?
Marty was more than a snitch. He was family. A last request is a brother’s duty.
Life’s Undertaking
I’m digging a grave, son. My life’s work laid bare. A macabre undertaking, but I’ve excavated this plot with an archaeologist’s care, with fine brushes and twine lines. Every artifact was artfully placed.
But who will fill your grave, I ask.
The old man bends brittle and weeps.
Not I!
indistinct shushing, leaves scatter boughs bending
indistinct
shushing, leaves scatter
boughs bending The Breakfast Holiday
For breakfast, Jayne and Smithy sample strawberry, blueberry, and peach flavored Frills.
Smithy removes sleep suppressors from his eyes. Jayne? Is that a neural stimulator? It’s holiday! Abner should rest. Trimester exams won’t start for another hour.
Jayne keeps the device cupped to her stomach.
She knows.
Every minute counts.
