It has finally happened, after literally years of persistence: My father has given me a slice of wild land north of town, a rambling stretch of brushy thicket, one hundred acres of promise.
Read MoreWildcat (from The Secret Diary of Donna Hooks)I woke at dawn on the holiday, so my grandmother put me to work polishing Mama’s army boots.
Read MoreRemembery DayFrom her mouth exhales some warm magic that sweeps the marble dust away, and this is the first thing he sees, though he does not quite understand that he sees: her lips with their red stain worn away, paled in a utility light’s blaze. Below her chin a dust mask snares her throat.
Read MoreSlowOnce upon a time, there were two young girls, closer than sisters, who dreamed of greatness.
Read MoreWindCarmen had come back from shore leave, come back from weaning her child, and she’d missed the feel of salt crusting on her lips, the dry wind sucking moisture from her eyes. Missed wood under her heels and being rocked instead of rocking.
Read MoreCrowHis fingers fit through the diamond slots in the chain link fence like nothing has changed, as though he never went to college or moved away from home. Except now, instead of a high school in the distance behind the runners in their white T-shirts and matching blue-and-grey track shorts, it’s a rocket.
Read MoreSilver Buttons All Down His Back
I am four when the door at the top of the stairs is opened to me for the first time. Mother has invited friends over—men who smell of tobacco smoke, women who reek the scent of too many flowers stuffed into a glass jar.
Read MoreBeatification of the Second FallThis is not my body.
Yes, there are the expected parts—arms, legs, hips, breasts—each in its proper place and of the proper shape.
Is he a monster, a madman, a misguided fool? I don’t know. I don’t want to know. But this is not my body.
Read MoreSing Me Your ScarsI waited in line behind twelve other clowns at the fae portal from the Underland into the clown car.
Read MoreWhere I’m Bound