Tension
“What are you thinking about?” he asks me and I stare at him wide eyed for a second wanting to say, “I’m thinking about work and how maybe it’s not going to…
Maxwell's Silver Bullet (9)
While donning khaki slacks and a navy blue Maxwell’s Silver Bullet tee shirt, I caught the scent of coffee. Mom had left half a pot for me - hallelujah! I…
Maxwell's Silver Bullet (1)
I have a rich fantasy life. It’s a necessity for a single woman of a certain age who’s slightly worse for wear. But even I couldn’t have dreamed up the scene…
Another Fine Mess (3)
The bedroom door was flung open and 10-year old Zach burst in. Chestnut curls fell over his forehead, framing hurt, tear-filled hazel eyes. “Mom! Max won’t let…
Just Ask Politely
She thinks that irises are puddles in her eyes but tells me that my soul blooms from my pupils, my own personal black holes, comes life. A small percentage of…
Doubt
She wasn’t sure how it had happened. Maybe it was the foolhardy way he held his coffee or the untamed way his hair curled, messy yet stylishly, framing his…
The date
“My problem,” she said, “is that I am just not that interested in life. I am not a drama fan.” He listened. “I spend a lot time watching Sci-fi. Why be so…
Juniper
Singly, Juniper skipped and twirled down the hallway. She sang, “You can’t catch me while I’m ballerina-ing!” Sam, out of breath from chasing this ballerina up…
Dirty Hands
Dirty hands. You can wash em but they won’t never be clean. Not with the power of your positive thinking or with the scrubbing. You’ve done everything right…
Dear Baby
I don’t know why you look so sad when you let down your hair. It’s pretty, baby. Little slits in your skin on your fingers let me know that you’re breathing…
Escaping and Cushions...
The slam of the door and his footsteps, as they trample and crush each leaf underfoot and step on every crack – everything she’d asked him not do. The squelch…
You Smell Like Skin
I’ve known boys Who smell like apples. I’ve known boys Who smell like berries. But you smell like Skin. I’ve known boys Who leave their hearts Where they found…
Am I a Merciful Being
A slosh of the ocean’s spit spilled over into the lion’s cave. He roared at the Earth-baby’s spit up And stretched his neck, his head all circle-motion. The…
Raise Me Up
Isn’t extroversion interesting? I cry and whine for company. But now in this moment, I’m finding I’d rather be alone today. Don’t make me or stick that on me…
Building Bridges
There was flat white cloud above the construction site, and fog drifting below it so that the far-off valley floor could not be seen. It was impossible to tell…
Just a Glimpse
“My belly hurts,” Winnie whined to her mother. Rachel answered, “Baby, maybe you shouldn’t eat all that peanut brittle. It isn’t good for your teeth. They’ll…
Minutes Left.
“First off, I’m a newbie at this.” She bit her lip in embarrassment. He laughed in agreement, “I’ve never done this before either.” Her lips smiled, but her…
Homebodies
“So, where have you been lately?” Robert asked them through mouthfuls of the chips and salsa they were sharing. “I think this is the first time any of us have…
Manipulated; No longer Kneaded: The Artist's Friend
Open the container, let me out. Thank you. It’s been cramped in there. I really need to have a good stretch. Your hands look strong, powerful. I hope we can…
Love, Lust, and the Spaces In Between
“Hey,” she said, a slight quiver in her voice. “I need to tell you something.” “Oh yes?” he said, dicing a tomato. “Listen, uh… I…” she paused. A deep breath…