by Courtney Williams Carter Cast of Characters Pearl: mid-forties solid, strong physically and emotionally, the oldest sister of 3, and the leader of her family. Benjamin: Pearl’s husband, mild-mannered, supportive, loving, and a hard worker. Ginger: preteen girl, sullen, mischievous, intelligent, wears black and a Discman at all times. Jordan: three-year-old boy, active,…
by Nancy Swallow Somerfeld On paper, I had a sister But none I could call a friend. Yes, I know Sue was ill, No fault of her own, Still, I longed for a pal Who would know me, get me, Not the paranoid specter, The schizophrenia that robbed her Of…
by Nancy Swallow Somerfeld Mama was a brave woman. That’s how I see her life. Most thought her meek, a stay-at-home wife, A mother of six, knuckling out three meals a day. We walked home for lunch: hot soup, piled With croutons and ham on seeded rye. All stacked up…
by Nancy Swallow Somerfeld Boy, aloft, swinging on A rope over the ravine, landing Tiptoe on the shale, the grass skidding Wet underneath, no slippage For my brother who knew nothing Yet Of crashes into the river of life, drowning, Gasping, sucking for air. It didn’t hit him till he…