My Cardboard Balcony

Red and White by Belinda Roddie The tablecloth was spread, and the silverware aligned like the planets set in harmony, as we all sat down to dine. She wore red across the table. I donned white across my lap. She nudged her ankle against my knee before soup was brought to slurp. When I tried to grab my spoon, I could barely sustain my grip. The warmth of her leg enticed me, and the curve of her upper lip. She was crimson against my pearl esteem, her seductive, me naive. The food meant nothing to me now as my composure took its leave.

"They've captured the king at Stake Point!" cried out the general, her eyes nearly popping out of their sockets as she handed the telescope to the queen. The queen stared into the brass-coated lens and sighed. Already, she could see her dim-witted husband being carted off by enemy soldiers. She turned to the general and shook her head. "Can't we just let him go?" she asked. "I'm sure I can make a far better ruler."