Olalla Creek

He's very particular about everything.  He spends his evening fussing over appetizers and mains. An examination of his pockets might reveal a sterile bag of tissue against which is nestled a small bottle of Purell.  Another pocket will reveal a fine pen with a turned maple body.   In an aluminum wallet are a travel rewards … Continue reading The doctor

I must find a way into the forest. It is not easy for it is overgrown with thickets and brambles. Sharp branches threaten to poke out the eyeballs and put me into an ill humour.   I must find a way into the forest and push on into the shadow for it is hot and … Continue reading Divert

The kitchen was old and decrepit.  The one lightbulb casts a yellow pall on old chairs from a long torn-down hotel. These in turn cast deeper shadows on a chipped table upon which sat some unused medical devices partially covered by plastic grocery bags and old banana peels. He sat in his favourite chair near … Continue reading Natalie Merchant

He sits in his chair.  He is wearing a robe that he slept in the night before.  the robe is not fine - it is made of a cheap synthetic and is old - yet it is his favorite robe in the cold weather.   The door is open three or four feet away, maybe ten … Continue reading Inaction

the cat meows by the door.  the door is made of glass.  the glass is dark.  he meows again. the woman in the next room asks her husband what he is doing.  she is kind of lonely. the cat, like the man, looks into the mirror, and into the darkness.   both see their own reflections. … Continue reading a few moments on a saturday evening