The sex talk
I sit at a McAlister’s Deli crying my eyes out. Tears make my PB&J soggy. My mom has just explained to me that when I start becoming a woman I will bleed and cramp each month … Read moreThe sex talk
Category: Essays
Sticky notes
I think, but don’t say (because that would be embarrassing): “I’ll play mahjong with you, even though the tiles are confusing, and I hate feeling stupid. I’ll learn to drive, just like you wanted, even though I’m petrified I’ll accidentally hit someone.” At this point, I’ll do anything if you wake up … Read moreSticky notes
North of south
, not being from the mire but still in it,
make steeples of my hands, each joint wooden like
the inner ribbing, and I dive into the shallow
brown-green muck, and algae clings to my nose hair … Read moreNorth of south
Life lessons from behind the wheel
The mechanic from the tire shop down the road who called me last February spoke a memorable, if eerie, line: “Is it possible there’s somebody living around here who hates you?” he said with a raspy voice … Read moreLife lessons from behind the wheel
Kathleen
Kathleen Pelkey is known to make kids cry. Grown men, too.
Some would consider it unbecoming. Others, endearing. It all depends on how you look at it — or rather, her … Read moreKathleen