the pocket is dark,crumby.in here lie ancient cakes, forgotten cookies,bread rolls, birthday icing. the never-washed linen, pouch ofmemories, of years laughter lovetight around my neck,broken tie restretched,resewn again.first knots made, later undone'round your expanded middle,sunken it carriedme in sagging pocket,a joey licking spoonswith floured sticky sugar smiles.and laterI adopt the ties,and stiff with age andancient … Continue reading Apron
It took three mojitos a day for a week, a treetop view, and the avid attentions of the best masseurs in Garden City before Harold felt ready to return to work. His ‘mental health break’ could have lasted well into next month, but the boss called and so did duty. So here he was, Monday … Continue reading Sherlock Gnome
It started with a pair of gumboots. My neighbour of ten years, Mrs McNally, planted bright red geraniums in each one, then got Mr McNally to nail them to their front fence. I watched him do it while I was mowing the lawn. They were bright and charming, those gumboots, with their scarlet polka dots. … Continue reading Mrs McNally’s Garden
The Sasquatch watches me from across the flooded forest, from between grim-dark tree trunks and spreading cypress limbs as dark as its fur. Its two eyes are unblinking and as golden as my firelight. A night egret calls. Wind ripples shallow waves over drowned roots. I hold my heart in my hand and offer it … Continue reading Caddo Lake
There were three reasons to be grateful for waking up that morning, and three hundred not to. Rachael listed the three so-called positives in a litany all day, convincing herself it was worth it. It had to be worth it. One: Benjamin. She bent to pick up his discarded pants, jocks, tee, socks... “Ben!” No … Continue reading Little Things
EMMA LOUISE GILL 