In sixth-grade pre-algebra, I blushed when Bobby Blackwell explained how 1 + 1 = 3. Now I see his twitchy grin everywhere…like on the stranger who forced his way inside me…or the one I’m waiting on to do the subtraction.
gargleblaster
gargleblaster: are you on your way to steal my mermaid?
The fireflies were fairies.
The mermaids ruled the bath.
Tea time was with the teddies.
Her voice tinkled when she laughed.
But now the room is silent.
She never stops to pour the tea.
Her imagination stolen,
by time, the master thief.
Image source: Patchworkmoose via Etsy
gargleblaster: ignoring infidelity
I missed all the signs: apathy, coldness, secrecy, guilt. I shut my eyes tight, pretending it wasn’t true, clinging to us like a fool.
When I finally let go, I didn’t need a sign anymore.
But I did have one for you.
Image source: Zumlerr.com
gargleblaster: the physics of freedom
Mr. Unger had his back turned when a student’s physics book crashed to the floor.
Whipping around, he threw himself on the ground.
As he rose moments later with wet eyes, an onlooking wall poster offered a silent explanation:
“Freedom isn’t free.”
gargleblaster: did Grace say that, too?
Did Faith tear you to pieces?
Did Hope sink your soul?
Did the Love you made room for
leave you broken or whole?
Did Life give you minutes
or moments or regrets?
Did Grace set you free
or did you already forget?
gargleblaster: why do birds suddenly appear?
“Lousy, good-for-nothing scarecrow. Blasted crows peckin’ every damn tomato the frost didn’t nab.”
“Ain’t no point in fussin’ if you cain’t do nothin’ ‘bout it.”
“Betcha I can scare ‘em off.”
“Howd’ja figger?”
“I’ll make that there scarecrow look more like you.”
Photo credit: WildnisPhotography via Etsy
Gargleblaster #160: Answer the question “Why do birds suddenly appear?” in exactly 42 words.
gargleblaster: have all your clocks stopped?
I’m late! I’m late! Her insides screamed,
as she kissed white rabbits hoping for white knights.
But the glass slipper never fit;
fairy godmother never appeared.
So she walks the plank toward midnight,
a punctual crocodile waiting beneath.
Tick tock. Tick tock.
Photo credit: StayGoldMedia via Etsy
Gargleblaster #159: Answer the question “Have all your clocks stopped?” in exactly 42 words.
gargleblaster: tell me something, old friend: why are you fighting?
As the LCD ticked away the time she had left, Joseph took her speckled hand in his.
“You’ve fought a good fight, old friend,” he choked. “But don’t you stay for me.”
“You never did before . . . And now it’s much too late.”
Gargleblaster #158: Answer the question “Tell me something, old friend: Why are you fighting?” in exactly 42 words.
gargleblaster: do you see her much?
“Do you see her much?” she pecked, returning with tea. “Or is she more like a pretend girlfriend?”
“Yes, mother, I see her,” he responded, teeth clenched.
Every night, he thought. But it was complicated now with the restraining order in place.
Photo credit: HoneyPotPhotography on Etsy
Gargleblaster #157: Answer the question “Do you see her much?” in exactly 42 words.
gargleblaster: who dunnit?
Fresh blood spilled on the ground,
eyes darting all around.
Suspicions rose,
but bodies froze,
as ears rang from the sound.
With tensions running high,
none knowing truth from lie.
The smoking gun—
held by each one—
whispered in the air, “Goodbye.”
Photo credit: Neon Noir Smoking Gun Art Print by Etheloos on Etsy
Gargleblaster #156: Answer the question “Who dunnit?” in exactly 42 words.
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