When Mowing, Mow The tractor mower drives toward the pygmy Chinese Maple. The engine’s drone, heard through ear protectors. The stiff steering wheel, gripped in gloved hands. The long grasses stretch to the sun. solstice beside the tractor flattened grass   first published in Image Curve, January 4, 2018   photo by JANNIK SELZ on…

Finishing Their Cupcakes Mira and Frankie finish making the cupcakes. She raises her voice over his removal of something. Then she shows him the final touches: applying cream. ground dark-chocolate and peppermint. chocolate chips. She pours more icing, telling him to “hold on” and “wait.” They’ve made more than cupcakes for New Year’s Eve by…

A Cook Against the Storm I turn on the barbeque just as a horizon-filling bank of rainclouds roll in. A sudden wind arrives. The songbirds’ ensemble speeds with urgency. I race this oncoming storm. The stakes? Our sardine dinner. rustling leaves after the rain a shimmering grill   first published in Image Curve, December 21,…

Relocating the Gingerbread Man It is a delicate procedure. One so precarious that Frankie runs from the kitchen, saying, “I can’t bear to watch in case this goes south.” Mira emerges from the kitchen. The gingerbread house Frankie worked on rests on a glass cake stand. new centerpiece iTunes’ carols playing as a proud pastry…