Author Archives: susan

Word Count:  436 It was his job to go out and pick apples. He moved his stepladder around each tree like a shadow on a sundial. It would take him all day to pick three. Every day for the month … Continue reading →

Word Count:  522 It’s not like he had no idea it could happen, been unaware or in some lover’s form of denial. It hung like a large shade tree over their lives every day. Her husband was bound to find … Continue reading →

Word Count:  422 Today I went to shop at all my usual Friday spots. I’d sliced my nose off from my face last night. I wondered if someone might notice. Say Oh my God what happened? or Are you okay? … Continue reading →

Word Count:  436 She was old, stingy-mean with her money. Wore thin cotton dresses covered with flowers that once had been blue. Kept her cookie jar filled with freshly baked oatmeal or chocolate chip. In a hug, she smelled like … Continue reading →

Word Count:  383 She hated the chickens. Hated the bees. Hated the bees the most. When they’d met he had called himself a gentleman farmer. She thought that meant tomatoes and peppers and beans. By the time he took her … Continue reading →

Word Count:  656 In my mother’s fine script, a note: This is your grandfather’s finger. Cut off right after he died. First, shock. Then a giggle. My mom had been well known for her great sense of humor. I should … Continue reading →

Word Count:  362 The phone rang and I climbed down from the ladder to answer it. I was expecting a call. I’d left questions on a tape at my health insurance office and three days later, I figured they’d be … Continue reading →

Word Count:  401 Her name was Sabia and she had the walk of a poem. Flowing and brimming with quiet life. Each step, like each line, subtle beauty. Each one important as a word. Her young body, hidden within the … Continue reading →

Word Count:  139 “Who’s up next?” “I’d say the elderly. The Boomers.” “We’re down to six weeks, right?” “About that.” “Who’ve we hit so far?” “The college crowd. Education, two in one on teachers and students. Wait, parents too, with … Continue reading →

Word Count:  364 “Score!” he shouted, nearly knocking over my soda. He took football a lot more seriously than I did but I did enjoy a good college game from the stands. They got the field goal and Ted looked … Continue reading →