In a parking-lot made of dust and stones at Yorrick-Deuce’s, y’all kiss as still as cacti hidden in your ex- husband’s front seat. His ghost hovers the mechanical- bull, a jostling and delirious animal, injured and convinced it may mate before death. The moon is carved of ivory, and appears to hover like a drowned girl on the lake from afar. I think in terms of ghost, in terms of the given ghost of Waylon Jennings, projected from your blouse and a frightened boy understands the difference between it and night. Mother, I’m not here to forget you, I’m here to recall the sound of the echo no one will hear. Your ex-husband’s ear, a disturbance amidst the butterflies in the field. The world awakens with the gun, the gut-rot, and one shot left, floating on a lake. Everything gained and lost; my revenge has its cost. Shame on, and I love, The things we used to say and do.
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Readers’ Comments
- Laurel Wexman { I am re- reading this for the millionth time, through tears, once again. It is absolutely perfect! }
- Antonie Becker { Beautifully movingly written so, Thank God, the talent and ability is still somehow, miraculously, intact. }
- Jim Brennan { Garry, you mentioned this piece at the PVTU meeting - nicely written. It had me searching around, as things like this tend to do, for... }
- Dan Minnock { Hello All, Are you taking submissions for the June 2022 contest? }
- D. Oakleaf { Dear James, Thank you for sharing this outstanding essay. My father also built a "Z-Box" and I've recently taken up learning its backstory, even if... }
- F. J. Bergmann { We're near the end of 2021. When will the 2020 Fiction Contest results be announced? }
- Dawn Holmes { Blimey - what a read........we just celebrated a UK and anyone else who could make it - Cusichaca reunion at our home in Scotland -... }
- Literal Latte { Thanks, Richard, that is much appreciated! You stay safe, too! }
- Literal Latte { Hi James and Michelle (and other writers who have inquired) -- We're truly sorry about the delay. It looks like results for the fiction contest... }