One french fry remains
on the plate. I paid for the
french fries. I eat it.
Cold Hearted
Watching ice skaters
fall down, covering my laughter
with a gloved hand.
West-Facing Window
Commotion in the
hallway. Co-workers gather
to view the sunset.
Light Refreshments
Early morning staff
meeting: We slowly peel oranges,
trying not to disrupt.
Window Dressing
As I step out of
the shower, a streak of sunlight
enters the bathroom.
Seasonal Shift
My friend’s house: The whole
living room rearranged to
make room for the tree.
Black Cape
Woman runs out of
the salon with foils in her
hair, pays her meter.
GPSless
Squinting to read the
directions I scribbled on
a post-it note, turning.
Curb Enthusiasm
Sound of trash bin wheels,
rolling to the end of the
driveway. Early morning.
Hidden Agenda
Steam from cooking rice
fogs up the kitchen window,
increases privacy.
In the Doorway
At the pagan book
store: the tarot reader and
the shopkeeper smoke.
Common Cargo
Parking lot of the
park. Coming in and out of
cars: dogs and strollers.
Test Run
First time using a
new blender. Approaching the mix
button, my finger shakes.
Women’s Spa
Out of the corner
of my eye, staring at other
ladies’ tattoos, judging.
Close Proximity
Chatting around a
pool table: We duck and move
out of the cue’s way.
Winter Loser
Work hasn’t begun
and already the sun seems
to be setting. Ouch.
Rude Awakening
The smell of cat poop
on a down comforter. This
day can only improve.
Shipping Season
At the post office:
Surrounded by folks shipping
presents. I’m shipping paper.
Found Magazine
At the copy shop,
in the recycle bin: a
page of someone’s zine.
Light Reading
Tarot cards on the
table, tequila in the
glasses, truths revealed.
Too-Brief Ray
Morning walk: Standing
in sunshine, eyes closed, looking
ridiculous. Fall.
Insider Tip
Placing mushrooms in
a paper bag. Produce guy
says, “Try these. They’re fresher.”
Indoor Blues
Leave the lights on all
morning, afternoon, evening.
The darkness never stops.
The Knife
Driving through a rain
storm, listening to Swedish
electro music.
Bell’s On
The appearance of
the cat at the back door is
preceded by chimes.
Heat Envy
Cold morning jog. I
pass walkers who hold steaming
cups of coffee. Yum!
Checker to Crying Customer
“Maybe it’s not my
place, but I hope whatever you’re
going through gets better.”
Fly By
School bus driving by:
Inside a girl holds a yellow
balloon lit by the sun.
Double Entendre Feature
The adults in the
movie theater laugh. None
of the kids get the joke.
Contact High
Text message from a
guy I like, sent while he’s stoned,
makes my stomach warm.
Neighbors’ Domino’s
Under the porch light,
carrying something square: A
pizza delivery guy.
