Scarily, sometimes there is no way out, an example of which is delivered in this raw encounter with the grim facts of life in “Horse Sense,” by our very own Jilanne Hoffmann. We hope this story soon finds a home, because it packs a wallop you won’t want to miss, dealing with the cruelty of making choices where the only good choices are bad ones. Meanwhile, here’s a teaser and our thoughts on the story. Yes, it’s dogfight time, and as always, your comments are appreciated!
Florence Owens Thompson seen in the photo Destitute Pea Pickers in California. Mother of Seven Children. by Dorothea Lange (source: Wikipedia)
“Got another for you,” he said. “What happens when your Grandmother leaves alphabet soup on the stove too long?”
“What?” I asked and grinned with anticipation.
“It spells disaster,” said Gramp, his poker face completely blank.
I rolled my eyes again.
“One more,” he said. “How can marriage be both a word and a sentence?”
“Don’t feed that child beer!” Gram yelled again.
In the years since my parents died, Gram had ruled my days until canning season started. Then Gramp took over, though his form of supervision was usually not up to her standards.
“She’s almost thirteen, not two,” Gramp muttered and swiped the back of his hand across his mouth. Then he yelled, “How’re those pies of yours a coming, Nettie?”
Gram tossed an exasperated shake of her apron out the door and returned to her baking.
“Always got to keep the cat distracted,” said Gramp, “if you’re ever to be successful in this life.”
“What’s the answer?” I asked.
“The answer to what?”
“To the question,” I said. “You know, about marriage.”
“Annie, some answers you just have to wait and experience for yourself.” Continue reading
Dogpatch Writers Collective 