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This writing was accepted for publication in the 108 page perfect-bound ISSN# / ISBN# issue/book “Moon & Sun” cc&d (v268) (the February 2017 issue)  You can also order this 6"x9" issue as a paperback book:  |
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Order this writing in the book Things Found in Books the cc&d July-Dec. 2016 collection book |
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get the 418 page Jan.-April 2017 cc&d magazine issue collection 6" x 9" ISBN# paperback book:
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Order this Janet Kuypers writing from her most recent poetry book series: (pheromemes) 2015-2017 poems Order this 6" x 9" ISBN# book today of select poems written mid-2015 - mid-2017 during her first years living in Austin, TX
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| ex boyfriends became goldfish
Janet Kuypers 2/25/16 I’ve always tried to care for others. I don’t know, maybe that’s why in my studio one room apartment I kept a six inch snifter for a pet goldfish or two. Because really, if I had to live in that small a place, then so could a goldfish. And since I like my liquor, they could live in a big liquor glass, what a bargain. Since I had no money, I’d go to the giant pet store and splurge on twenty cent feeder fish for pets. And no, I wouldn’t get too close with the fish, replaceable with a single coin... But it would make me sad when they died. I brought them home to be with me, I spared them the hunt from a hungry predator. I extended their lives. I was trying to be noble. But when I saw how cruel the world was, and when I saw my replaceable fish die, I decided right then and there to name my future fish after ex boyfriends. You know, just so, when the time came, I could say, “Oh, Toby’s dead.” Flush. “Oh, Bill’s dead.” He was a fat fish. Flush. “Oh, Steve’s dead.” Flush. “Oh, Matt’s dead.” You know, he was an angry fish. Never seemed happy in that bowl. Flush. It may seem a sad state to use this to cope with pain. But this was my first chance to be able to smile at death... Its not like the fish ever cared. And the exes ever knew. |
