Caving In

by Angela Leuck and Michael Dylan Welch

First published in Skylark 5:1, Summer 2017, page 109. Originally written from November 2009 to March 2010 via email.

autumn doldrums

the neighbour’s pool

half empty Angela

parent-teacher meeting

not over yet Michael

almost weightless

the fallen leaves

my son’s absence Angela

hidden by forest fire smoke . . .

the moon I wish

you could have seen Michael

pale sun outside

the abortion clinic Angela

backyard burial—

the pumpkin’s smile

caving in Michael