My Cardboard Balcony

Guest Haiku by Arden Roddie She said to me, “Just write a couplet, or maybe a haiku,” so here.

I'm living in a nice two story condo, and my income's relatively stable. It's not much, but it's stable. I can always put food on the table. I have a car that runs all right; it's got mileage, but it's stable. It's not much, but it's stable. When it comes to its job, it's able. I have a wife who loves me, and our marriage has been stable. It's everything, and it's stable. It's the perfect fairy tale.

Candy Canes by Belinda Roddie Now, these candy canes go to Bobby and Jill, who will hang them up on the Christmas tree. And these candy canes go to Connie and Will, who will lick them until all their colors bleed. And these candy canes stay in boxes and bins, 'cause we always purchase too many of them.

You're not gonna get your way with me. No, not with that shitty attitude. Not with that temper and that perspective on who I am, and not with that greasy sneer dragged across your face. I am not interested in your diatribes; I am not going to listen to your excuses. You can pack everything up in one or two bags and get out - you don't get a second chance with me. Hell, you shouldn't have even gotten one.

When There's Heat by Belinda Roddie When she walked my way, the adrenaline zapped my bones and melted them into butter. When she kissed me, she tasted like cinnamon, those lips burning with that extra spice. When she pulled me to the bed, I couldn't help adoring her femininity - the way her skirt made her legs burst forward like soft, but sturdy, redwood tree trunks. I drew her toward me, and we were stirred together into one pot. She took hold of my hair before we descended into the scalding brew - all boiled, bubbling, and to be simmered and served with a smile.

The city that Hannah visited was quite high up - fifteen thousand feet above sea level, to be exact. She remembered to take her altitude sickness medication, and consequently, as she stepped out of the plane into the thin Cuzco air, she was able to breathe and stay steady. By contrast, Erika was already turning green around the gills.

It was twenty minutes before the Christmas party. I felt like I looked pretty decent; my suit was clean and ironed, and my hair had defied expectations by not making me look like an untamed cockatoo for the first time in a while. Still, I added a little gel to the madness, and by the time I was heading out the door, it was already dark, and the nip in the air had mutated into quite the vicious and chilling bite.