Rom-Com
1 A city. A city getting closer. A city rising from a jet-way marshland like a heaven of pure hope. We’re low over water and there’s a dock, a breakwater, and, yes, people walking here and there—no, striding— … Continued
Scenester
On The Publication of My First Book
Translated from Italian by Elizabeth Harris Ladies and Gentlemen, I can’t tell you how pleased I am to be here. Hello, everyone. I wanted to greet a number of you in person, but I see now that some of … Continued
Checkout
The old woman, rummaging through her purse, asks, “What was that again?” and the cashier—a frog-eyed gum-chewer with dreads, a Live Strong bracelet, and a nametag-less green apron—says, “Eighty-eight, sixty-six.” Old woman says, “Okey dokey,” whips out a faux-leather booklet, … Continued
The Half King
Tenth Avenue, New York That last time I was in Chelsea, I walked up and down Eighth Avenue not remembering where The Half King was. I was thirty-nine then, two whole avenues off, trying to remember who I was from … Continued
Jean Berko Gleason
Gleason developed the WUG Test in 1958: This is a WUG. Now there is another one. There are two of them. There are two _______. This man zibs. A man who zibs is a _______. The children made the … Continued
Emily Dickinson Thinks She Looks Like a Kangaroo
Emily Dickinson thinks she looks like a kangaroo. I can see the resemblance. The unexpectedness in the eyes, the readiness to leap. Emily Dickinson has caressing lips, tucked for now and always in a pert little smile, content … Continued
Lament for the Death of Ignacio Sánchez Mejías
Translated from Spanish by Pablo Medina 1. GORING AND DEATH At five in the afternoon. It was five sharp in the afternoon. A boy brought the white sheet at five in the afternoon. A basket of lime … Continued
A Rottenness Begins in His Conduct
The candidate has a spoilage in his head, an icky bit, a creep that chews for him alone when stuffing up the local grub. At every stop, he shovels in the pies and dogs, the beer, … Continued
Amy Pretends This Is Old Penn Station
The way she wears her sweater is so Sunday. If her parents were here she’d say why don’t you go watch Dancing With the Stars. It is every generation’s job to feel deprived. If she had kids she’s scared of … Continued
Bowling Alley
Translated from Slovenian by Brian Henry GRUBER CANAL, LJUBLJANA Here I am on my old turf, my hand again in yours, going down the stairs, as long as summer, which is pale from many couples and families on … Continued