Poetry — August 11, 2014 9:49 — 1 Comment

A Lesson in Parataxis Provided By Mary Collins And Faithfully Transcribed by Jim Brantingham

Mary was a bartender. On this afternoon she brought a half liter of beer to each of two guys at the bar. Introductions were made.

When Mary left to deliver beer to other customers, the first shook his head and said, “I sure do love that Mary.” He had just met her but that isn‘t relevant in love stories.

The other instantly replied, “Everybody loves Mary.”

Mary overheard them, walked back to the guys and explained, “I got boobs. I bring beer. What’s not to love?”

 

Bio:

Jim Brantingham has been publishing poetry, short stories and translations since 1969. More recently, he has been published in Crab Creek Review, ZYZZYVA and is a frequent contributor to The Monarch Review. He has published 3 short books through Seattle Small Books (On Ancient Paths, Ritter’s Crime and The Winnowing Fan) and is currently finishing a 4th book titled, Traveling Light. Two sons and two grandchildren light up his life.

One Comment

  1. Susan Chesney says:

    Great! Title is excellent too — almost longer than the story.

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What am I?

Bioluminescent eye
That sees by the shine
Of its own light. Lies

Blind me. I am the seventh human sense
And my stepchild,
Consequence;

Scientists can't find me.

Januswise I make us men;
Glamour
Was my image then—

Remind me:

The awful fall up off all fours
From the forest
To the hours…

Tick, Tock: Divine me.

-- Richard Kenney