---

 

This writing was accepted for publication in the 108 page perfect-bound ISSN# / ISBN# issue/book “Wintering Over” Down in the Dirt v214 (12/23) Order the paperback book:

Order this writing that appears in the one-of-a-kind anthology Instant Karma the Down in the Dirt September-December 2023 issues collection book		get the 422 page September-December 2023 Down in the Dirt 6" x 9" ISBN# perfect-bound paperback book:

The Growlery
Growlery—a place to retreat to, alone, when ill-humored

Alan Swope

Foul-humored is better
Fed up, irritable, tetchy, crotchety

Unfit for human company
Feeling ignored by my wife
This trick knee driving me nuts

My place is a run-down shed
rusty, unused tools everywhere
tiny west-facing window
embroidered with spiderwebs

hunkered down next to abandoned
hoes, rakes, coils of rope
hands around my knees,
rehearsing a better comeback
to my neighbor’s put-down.

After a bit, feeling refreshed,
my fever broken
I head back to the house,
join friends laughing together,
the hilarity contagious.

Tipsy with joy, we hug
to hold each other up.

Copyright of written pieces remain with the author, who has allowed it to be shown through Scars Publications and Design.Web site © Scars Publications and Design. All rights reserved. No material may be reprinted without express permission from the author.

Problems with this page? Then deal with it...