"Black Widow" by Jack Swenson

Black Widow

We sat next to the grave of your late husband and opened our picnic basket. “Why here?” I asked. You smiled. “It makes me horny,” you said.

I asked you to pass the Grey Poupon. I ate my sandwich. You nibbled a potato chip, peeled a grape. You looked at me through half-closed eyes. I looked at you and licked my lips. Hair as black as a Raven's wing. Dark eyes. You wore a black dress, too, my favorite color.

You crawled into my arms, and we kissed. The sun ducked behind a cloud. I ran my fingers up the silky skin of your thigh.

Then you bit me.

“Ow!” I said. I struggled to my feet. Dizzy, I staggered and looked at you through dimming eyes. You crouched on a corner of the blanket hugging your legs. I saw a wink of red beneath the hem of your dress. There were tears in your eyes.

Susan Tepper, Apr 17, 2010

wild and unpredictible. she seemed like a wild bird perched with her red underside showing, i love that she bit him and that it all took place graveside

Sam Rasnake, Apr 17, 2010

Pass the Grey Poupon.... Then you bit me. Very effective writing, Jack. And I'm with Susan - I like the setting. Really gives this piece an off-center push. Good work.