Iago

Iago dreamed he was a man who rescued kittens from tall trees, and children from the clutches of characters like him. He bought girl scout cookies, he sang in church, he harmonized, he eulogized, he gave away his possessions and passed through the Eye of the Needle. He gave up his part in “Othello,” but there was no giving up his raison d’etre, and as the dream dragged on, Iago’s essence slipped in and swept away his girl scout cookie goodness, and so he couldn’t help but swipe a few boxes, as he marauded through the rest of the night.

From Guest Contributor Linda Lowe

Preparing For The Afterlife

Sally spent most of her days cleaning. She polished and buffed and wiped her way through every room in the house, until it was time to start all over again. The dwelling wasn't that cluttered either. She was just extremely thorough in her routine.

Matt, her husband, had argued they should hire a cleaning service, but Sally believed it was her responsibility. He eventually gave up and left her to it. It seemed to make her happy.

Sally took more care with her possessions than she did with herself. Perhaps because she knew they would someday be all that remained.

Last Box

“Meat grinder?” I asked.

Arnold laughed. “Strange guess, sis’.”

“Not at all. Grandma kept her favorite possessions even when shecouldn’t use them anymore.”

Arnold shook the box. Contents moved.

“She grinded roasts for cabbage rolls and meatloaf,” I added.

The overhead light flickered as it swayed. I shivered.

“Let’s carry the box downstairs,” I said. “I hate attics.”

“Why, you’re scared?” Arnold snickered.

I followed my brother into the kitchen. Inside the box we foundparcels wrapped in Christmas print. Each labelled with tags spellingout names of the family.

Grandma didn’t have a chance to give them out.From Guest Contributor Krystyna Fedosejevs

Krystyna writes poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.