Ralph’s Chicken

Carwashing Layli Long Soldier

The story of my mother has hardened not from necessity but the appropriate words have sharp edges and shrill notes

One heart isn’t chained to another I have no doubt that is true Happiness is chosen on the shelf of the self

The undefined ache in my tummy that is neither from me eating too much nor not at all but due to my habit of holding my breath for long…

Every day she wakes up, sometimes in her marital bed, sometimes in her maiden chamber, and sometimes on the cold stone floor of her mind…

They hurried down the street late in the dark afternoon. Barely anyone drove anymore, and other people had to step off and on the curb…