Exploring wolf references: “Keep the wolves at bay”

The phrase “to keep the wolves at bay” refers to a time when baying wolves were a sign that wolves were still in the distance. The idea is that when wolves are still in pursuit, they are not yet ready to attack. Sometimes shorted to keeping something “at bay,” this also refers to hunting dogs that…

Glimpses of Angels

Her dress is snagged by briars her hair falling down She wears a ring of dandelions like a halo She says I see the bird song and hear time slipping by   In town they say she’s crazy I say I tend to agree   She frolics naked by the meadow chasing butterflies she dances…

TV

the portal flickers blue light across the room. though you know better, you pass through, unconscious

delicate desperation

Spring pushes through the ground, away the images frozen in my mind. I try not to pin too much on such a delicate season, yet, Spring, you must save me.

Exploring wolf references: “Lone Wolf”

Lone wolf is an American expression that began in the early 1900s. A “lone wolf” is a person who acts alone or enjoys his or her own company—and not being part of the pack. The phrase persists in popular culture today. Lone Wolf is the title of a 1988 horror film, and Lone Wolf McQuade…

Dying Softly

Buying bicycles, my boyfriend and I stood in line.  From the next isle over, a white-trash, rotted teeth, camouflage- fishing-hat wearing man says,                 “Hey, dude, what time’s                 the game tonight?” Momentarily unaware of his intention, I mutter “I have no idea.” With his laughter, realization and anger at myself for not saying:                …

Setting the tone in writing: Weather-related phenomenon

Weather is easy to overlook in fiction unless it pertains purposefully to plot. The elements, however, can convey mood or setting. I think of when I was a child, waiting for the bus in the country. I loved the fog! It was eerie the way it changed my relationship with the world around me. I…