files

by

the boys files are thick with reports and diagrams, notes and questions. there are many medical words in the files, blunt words like infection and gangrene, necrosis and debridement. but there is a strange beauty for each file contains sketches of the boys, with a fading purple or blue background. there is the sketch of … Read more

jeff

by

“do it,” said jeff. “i want to know what it feels like.” i’m holding an empty shotgun aimed at his chest. he’s daring me, he’s been daring me for the past half hour. the party is raging. his folks are out of the country at their vacation home in Sayulita. i consider him. a shock … Read more

top 10 books of 2018

by

it’s always hard to pick the best books you’ve read until it isn’t. they jump out at you. 2018 was a difficult year for obvious and less obvious reasons: the news cycle continued anxiety-provoking, and there were personal losses in my life that i won’t go into because they’re difficult–death and loss and the inevitable … Read more

kirby vacuum

by

1. my MIL bought the Kirby at a yard sale for $50. it was in its original case, mint condition. 3. i was wary of the Kirby at first glance; I didn’t think something so old would be useful. 4. my MIL had to talk me into the Kirby when she offered it to me. i think my … Read more

uptown liquor

by

i find a bottle of unopened vodka in my 18 y.o.’s closet and enquire. i don’t know where that vodka came from, she says. is it yours? uh, no. oh. i just found it in my closet. it came from somewhere, i say and wait. nothing. when i find the $15.67 charge for uptown liquor* … Read more

ReLit

by

dear imaginary readers of this blog, i’m pleased that my book of shorts HOW TO PICK UP A MAID IN STATUE SQUARE has placed on the long short list for the ReLit Awards! for more info on the award and all the nominees, check here. and read a short story, any short story, will you? … Read more

my father’s work gloves

by

my father’s work gloves rest on the handles of the wheel barrel; they hold the shape of my father’s hands, worn from splitting wood and stacking it in the shed, raking and burning leaves. my father’s work gloves are marked with blood, earned when he lost his footing on the wood pile; the chainsaw bucked. my … Read more