Dance of the Unforgotten (an illustrated work of literary fiction for adults)
From the rooftop of the clocktower,
Loni could see the dead floating above the village.
The small world below had become a regret.
A place no longer in love with itself.
Loni could see the dead floating above the village.
The small world below had become a regret.
A place no longer in love with itself.
She had prepared the ropes, the fuel, the balloon—
and a dress of soft linen.
and a dress of soft linen.
Loni stepped to the edge as the rain came.
The rising scent of damp fur and earth calmed her.
She could feel the stirring of wings,
and small claws against her bare feet.
The rising scent of damp fur and earth calmed her.
She could feel the stirring of wings,
and small claws against her bare feet.
The bell echoed.
The bats took flight.
Circling once about her, then lost to the night.
The bats took flight.
Circling once about her, then lost to the night.
Her father, stumbling under a streetlamp,
watched Loni step off the peak.
watched Loni step off the peak.
She fell slowly, swaying above him,
while he argued with yesterday.
while he argued with yesterday.
“Look up here Papa,
I’m almost gone.
I’m almost gone.
I’m off to find Mama…
there’s soup in the pot.”
(Full version available upon request) Currently on submission