My Cardboard Balcony

Life Bites by Belinda Roddie Richard identified as a vampire. He had absolutely no friends.

No Exit by Belinda Roddie This is not the entrance to the Temple of Hate We're already inside it and it is loud and scary and it smells faintly of mildewy laundry

'Tis A Gift! by Belinda Roddie Sometimes, I like to get my pretty wifey some treats.

Fortune Teller by Belinda Roddie Your skull is as fragile yet as pristine as your father's crystal ball The flesh that cloaks it is dark enough to block the sun, and when I kiss your forehead, you spark. The heat is tantalizing, and yet, I cannot see my future in your eyes, though you keep trying to convince me that you see your future with me.

The Haunted Festival by Belinda Roddie The music at the carnival seemed to be playing backwards.

Awards Ceremony by Belinda Roddie I have been reestablished and recognized in certain circles, where the meat is raw and the wine is way too warm, and the men and women (no enbies allowed, apparently) sniff at stars, their noses are turned up so damn high. They wear pearls and cubic zirconia and peacock feathers in their hair, fanning and congratulating themselves over buzzwords such as "progressive," and, "woke," and, "anti-racist." But they choke on Zinfandel and settle, instead, for Chardonnay. Their skin, to them, is not just the color of porcelain - it retains the delicacy of porcelain as well. I think I'll take my plaque and toss it into the bin. What they offer is pseudo-enlightenment. I'll none of it.

Sinister Sword by Belinda Roddie The blade turned black when it made contact with blood.