FLASH

Small but mighty, these short, incisive pieces cut to the core in a just a few words.
Alan Rickman and the Mermaids of the Conch Republic

Sound engineers believe Alan Rickman possessed the perfect male voice. Early acting teachers told him he sounded like he was speaking from the back of a drainpipe.

Familiar Territory

Could someone hating you really cause a physical unease? Sure, why not.

Smile.

At twenty, the world is yours because you’re beautiful. But never acknowledge your beauty, or it makes you a bitch.

Out of the Harbor and Into the Open Sea

I’d never heard of anyone having a second baby right after the first one, but everything was so strange in those early days of motherhood that I just acted on instinct.

Cost of Care

I reached for my invoice, which Dr. George, holding it between thumb and forefinger as if it were a soiled diaper, dropped into my hand.

Post Pregnancy Examination (Shortened Form)

Infant’s Name: A
Delivery Date: August 1, 2002

The Sweetness

I’m dancing with my best friend’s husband, under the influence of his jaws and thighs.

Wilderness

The land here is scarred and wrinkled.

Teeth and Boyfriends

With great reluctance, I agree to meet a cousin for an outside lunch…

Swoon

Jenna says that he typically goes for redheads, so I run to Target and buy a box of hair dye.

First Boyfriend

I run with a pack of older boys from our neighborhood, the only girl.

Theoretical Debate

On the first day of our new life together, my husband realized that I was not interested in theoretical debate. He said it was okay by him and went out to get some pancake mix.

Junk

It was spring and the hills were irradient, like they had to get out all their green in one short burst before catching fire.

Forest Walk on a Friday

Every time I come to the forest, it’s different, but so am I.

graffiti on cement
Slabs

We drifted junk with a sledgehammer looking for juice. Sometimes the rage.

Damn Good Listener

I know you shouldn’t keep wild animals as pets, but I’ve had the same spider in my bathroom sink for over two weeks.

Rose By Any Other Name

Kate Winslet always reminded me of my mom. Maybe that’s why, even to this day, I get defensive of Rose from Titanic when people call her stupid or shallow…

rotarty phone
My Wife’s Phone

Sex is not a thank you card in this house.

artwork with Venus
Light Pencils

The weeks go like this: accepting, horny, hopeful, sad. I’m four different people trying to establish one perspective on a major life event – on the creation of life itself.

Here in East Greenwich

He used to hold my hand on Commonwealth. I wonder sometimes if he ever still thinks about my mouth.