It's Still Life

The Old Woman Declares the Milk is Still Cold she presses the glass bottle to her cheek—a trial by touch, a verdict rendered:“still cold.” the cat (still not hers, but always judging)flicks its tail like a metronome set to skepticism:“prove it.” so she does: exhibit a:the condensation’s slow slide,thick as honey. exhibit b:the fridge light’s…

The Old Woman and Appendix C: Loopholes as love language the old woman underlines:“by consuming this product, you agreeto everything found inspite, loopholes, andthe neighbour’s unsecured wifi.” the cat (still not hers, legally speaking)paws at clause 4.2: liability for falling objects—“define object,” it scoffs,knocking over a vase.“define falling.” the crow, ever the contract killer,drops black’s…

The Old Woman and a Rebellion of Tenderness the old woman with no cathas a pocket full of seeds. she plants themin the cracks between bricks,in every unread newspaper,in every unanswered letter. she’ll let them split the sidewalks,she tells the crow. she knows how magic works—it’s just like a weedthat someone decides to love. it…