The Bet, Forever Boy, and Dangling
The Bet
They were on their bellies looking down over the morning freeway rush; the larger one had the rifle aimed.
“I bet I can get six of ‘em.”
“I bet ya' the rifle you don't even get four.”
“Deal.”
The larger one took aim and squeezed the trigger. The shot caught a Honda in the left rear tire rim causing its back end to sway into cars on either side. It was scrambled cars and trucks for breakfast.
“…five, six, and seven. I win.”
Their mother yelled from somewhere inside the house. “Boys, don't you miss the bus again.”
Forever Boy
I watch as you go airborne and arming
your stare like glass, your mouth in a lather.
No one can catch you, no one need bother.
Pouring like blood, upside down, spiraling.
Rules cannot curtail that which is breaking.
I beg you; find your fear free from merit.
You laugh, knowing you could never bear it.
You sing me a song: The world is a trap,
its children have only broken hopes — rap.
Skin cannot hold the forever spirit.
Dangling
He rappels down, grabs the metal fire escape, spray can stuffed down his t-shirt. Nearby green and pink neon strobe interrupts his darkness. Dangling cigarette does not impede outlining giant boobs. Smiling, he sucks a drag, exhales and admires the smoke-veiled tits before stubbing the butt out on the nipple.
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Author's Note
THE BET won the first ever drabble contest at Purest of Prose
FOREVER BOY published in iArtistas
#10 [Ekphrasic poem inspired by a skateboard photograph taken by Didi Menendez.]
DANGLING published in Blink Ink #14, the Graffiti issue (misprint 'tickets', is here corrected to 'tits')
Other stories by Brenda Bishop Blakey
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"Skin cannot hold the forever spirit."
***
Amanda, thanks for reading.
Loved them all, Brenda. ***
Had to look up "drabble" to say these are really fine drabbles--the first and third, anyway. I would call "Forever Boy" a poem, and a damned good one. The sense of insouciant risk in all three--especially the startling hilarity of the dissonant universes in "The Bet"--is masterfully presented. *
Especially liked "The Bet" and "Dangling".
Good set.
Tara, I appreciate you reading them.
Mathew, the things you do say. Nice stuff, now I feel humbled.
Gary, it means a lot to me that you read them and enjoyed.
Yes to all three, but especially The Bet.*
Thank you GVP.
Thought I'd already commented on this! My bad.
Particularly liked "Dangling".
All good!
*
Love your comments, Sally.
Bill, Thanks!
In love with all three! "Forever Boy", especially-- the words, the title, this: "No one can catch you, no one need bother." :-)
Thanks Michelle!