Category: Flash Fiction

The Things We Care About

The mark of husbandry.

He raised the dogs,

and praised the cats.

Tended to fish too

and abandoned mom.

Exchange Offer

I screamed, and screamed, and screamed.

I swore, I cried, and I tried

I want you back to rest on my back

And love like we swore we would

But when you went under that bumper

And I saw just your jumper

I knew you were gone.

I knew we were gone.

But then came Jimmy,

Someone, they said, to love,

To heal the scars you left me with.

But one dog for another —

Love doesn’t work that way.

Telling Lies…

“My friends say fairies aren’t real, mama.”

— “Fairies do exist, dear. They spray their magic dust to make the flowers bloom.”

“These cookies are so tasty mama. Can I eat them all?”

— “Don’t, my boy. Leave some of the cookies for Santa. if you had been a good boy, Santa and his elves will leave you anything you asked for.”

“I’m scared, I don’t want to go to sleep.”

— “ Shh, it’s already past your bedtime. Wee Willie Winkie would be running through the town, checking if the kids are in their beds. Close your eyes now, and try to sleep.”

“Mama, what would I be when I grow up?”

— Disappointed.