My Cardboard Balcony

by Belinda Roddie I've had this bath towel for fifty-two years. It's pretty fucking threadbare, and it's seen a lot of shit. And I mean living with three lesbians, going to multiple beaches, used during a pregnancy shit. But you know what? It means something to me, and it sure worked as a beach towel when I was six. I've gotten a lot taller since then, though. See, I hope you can enjoy those things for years, too. Looks like you've got a crocheted dragon shawl - nice. Keep it clean and pretty. How about that stuffed cat your uncle's mom made ya? Pretty swell; have you ever given it a name? And just wait until you dig through your own attic and find little goodies and memories by the handful. They could even fit right in your pocket. I know you have a blue chest in your bedroom with journals and trinkets - don't lose 'em. See, nothing's permanent, least of all material shit. But what we keep - it means something. Call us wannabe hoarders all you want....

Damn You, Powell by Belinda Roddie And thus, the one armed colonist had a glorious mustache.

It has been a shit week, people. I'm tired of justice being served, and then minutes later, brutality strikes again. I'm tired of people being unwilling to learn or become better citizens. I'm tired of thinking that so-called "friends" can change and improve, only to have them turn out to be sleazeballs in the end. I'm tired of the plague continuing because folks don't care about each other. I'm tired of ignorance. I'm tired of feeling unable to support my students or fellow faculty. I'm tired of fucking up. I'm tired of losing my creative vibe. I'm tired of not having the energy or resources to take care of my loved ones. I'm tired of feeling helpless. I'm tired of feeling powerless. I'm tired of feeling fucking tired. I want to make people happy. I want to hold people in my arms as they cry. I want to solve people's problems. I want to be there. I want the world to be better. Why can't it be? Make it change soon, p...

Oh, God by Belinda Roddie Should I do poetry? A story? Some other nonsense? What the fuck?!

Satisfaction by Belinda Roddie Just bring me wine and doughnuts. That would be enough.

I Thought You Were by Belinda Roddie I thought you were a new friend I could trust, and, though imperfect, you were fair and kind. Now that polished image's covered in rust after I know all that you did behind our backs, and who you hurt. What did Shakespeare write again? "How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child"? King Lear should have said thankless man , so uncouth and inappropriate was your advance and your inability to attempt to better yourself. I tire of this dance. I tire of being burned by those who meant to harm rather than help. I tire of it! And I do not forgive you - not one bit.

World's End by Belinda Roddie This was not where we were supposed to meet again.