The World She Keeps

Under the last bone of her finger was where the town was hidden. It was a small world hidden from the masses. Rooftops wires and pine cones kept touching the sides of the tin home. She tried to keep things in order but either the rain or wind seemed to always destroy her progress.
As the masses walked by you could see her crouching in the back of the bus talking with the world she managed under her glove.

Leaving the Blue House

We once owned a home. Blue cedar planks with white shutters. The basement was limestone painted a brilliant white. The floor a enameled grey slate. Trees lined the edge of the property that overlooked the sea. We once owned a home that sat on a hill.
Mother forgot her pill.
Father loaded the truck. No more than a half hour fuss. We once owned a home. Now we can see it as we pass. Time has feet that will walk up the stairs. Mother said she no longer cares.

How To Speak

With scissors. With wire and gauze. With pencils. With pen. With anger. With love. With plates. With trees. With guns. With speakers. With lies. With broken ships. With bottles. With time. With a single finger. With a dime.

Bitter Roots

Where the paint begins to dry is where they decided to look.
Behind the refrigerator in the corner that is stained from years of oxidation is where they began the story. Lead written words and lipstick drawings. The stopwatch is running, the chicken is in the oven.
Where should we begin was the first question of the visitors. The next was who should leave first. They grouped around the table during the dead of winter.
One is in the kitchen reading from the wall.
One translates and documents the unfolding story onto a roll of arches rag paper.
After time the translation begins to reveal itself. In time what was lost will begin the new narrative.

Rubber Ducks

The trees have finally reached the second story of the old colonial. Blue crisp skies rustle through the last leaves of October. Lemonade is chilling next to the vodka. The bath is filled with warm water. The house on the hill has black smoke rolling out of the windows.
She left the keys on the mantle.
The car is down the river.
Patches of wire hide beneath the porch.

Snow

When would you like to visit? The pond is frozen.
Christmas trees are cut and being stacked on trucks. Have you listened to the message.
The family is having orange duck. It's ten below zero. When should I expect you?
Grandma can't find the nut cracker and there is a short in the lights that are wrapped around the chimney. Leave the sweater grandpa turned up the heat.

Twine

Where is the kite? Summer breeze makes it's way to the river. The toddler is drawing flowers on paper bags. The railroad is working overtime.
Ants surround the sandwich as the kite crosses the sky.