The Prompt: Choose a song that mattered to you at sixteen (or invent one, if you prefer). Write a braided piece (900–1,100 words) that alternates between: You may quote no more than one lyric, and it must be six words or fewer. Include one sentence that appears exactly three times in the piece, unchanged each time. (Place it … Read moreCar Wash
A Green Giant Jamba Juice precariously jammed in the crook of her arm, her purse and keys in one hand, and her phone in the other, Jenny scrolled distractedly before she entered the elevator. The AI voice announced, “Doors are closing” and asked, “Where would you like to go?” The voice had a youthful, relaxed … Read moreReboot
One size too big My vintage down jacket Avocado corduroy Mustard yellow lining We call it Ugly Coat A family favorite from When coats stood up To cigarette burns Or laying on the road To chain the tires Collar and sleeves Still hemlock green Right handwarmer pocket Worn through from A former set of keys … Read moreUnbeautiful Embrace
As a result of Profound nearsightedness And limited household affection My little kid self Thrilled Whenever my ophthalmologist Raised his eye scope And pressed his cheek to mine. The light scent of his aftershave His calm, steady breathing The patient clicking of the viewing wheel As he looked deeper into my eyes Than anyone. When … Read moreCan You See Me Now?
I never knew terror until her arrival. People exaggerated, I thought. The fat rolls and giggling, then crawling with gusto. A smile so sweet, never before seen on earth. Then, sitting at the table unafraid of any food, refusing help to leave her chair. Pigtails and running with glee on tiptoes to foil the Tickle … Read moreThe Gooey Center
My parent’s mountain cabin Hides a secret trail Along a secret stream A delicious escape from the dusty Heat of summer Cool spring water burbles Over granite stones and boulders Sand sparkles in the pools Between fallen trees Ferns grow tall along the path Soothed by the light spray And protected by giant pines Bright … Read moreLike Something You’ve Never Seen
Chromed clam Flying over pavement Clutching my handle Like an unsteady bar fly Singing Your pearl A chirpy chime Ding a ling.
Fugitives Pause To salute their struggle From tyranny From barking dogs From broccoli.
Dad played at being sad Complaining he’d lost his cornbread. Sis looked at Brother To see if he knew where the cornbread went. Brother smiled, having seen Dad’s performance before Hiding the cornbread under his hat. Mom eventually learned to love this joke Giggling children made it funny Even to baby.
A DuMont Teleset Replacing their Threadbare radio Feels like The future has arrived. The empty box A spaceship A submarine A portal to another world Waiting for the trash man. Get more out of life With television By DuMont. But one day When the tubes and wires fail It’s just another box Destined for the … Read moreThe Proclivity of Things