jj-huttonEcho

American
News at SixWhen they started inching their way forward, / that row of men in deep blue, riot shields ready, / batons ready, I couldn't help but love them.
33
May 23, 2022
The Administrative AssistantJulia, at her desk and on her telephone, / trapped in amber, an eye-open slumber. / The president shuffles past, talking quietly
25
Dec 9, 2021
The Latte as AccessoryChampagne slacks, barn brown plaid patterned down / a watch that tells the time, the temperature (sunny and 75), and the number of suitors on read. The blouse is smart, the woman is mousey. / She tells and re-tells her employees the secret to success is listening. Between emails to accounts payable, she stares into middle distance, she pretends to stare into middle distance, she pretends to flashback, she flashes back for her team, her team watches her through the glass windows of her office, they're always watching. The floor plan is open. We should all be more open, she often says during interdepartmental collaboration meetings. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights she opens herself like a letter, while the blue glow from her phone lights her face, a concession, a weakness, but is it a weakness if it's scheduled? If it's ritual? And love is a powerful thing (if it's withheld). And empathy will take you far (if it's weaponized). And life is beautiful (from the corner office).
3
Sep 7, 2021
Corsican BlackcurrantThe morning, good; the morning, relentless—she tip-toes / out the front door in her ex-husband's brown patent leather shoes. / Outside. Walking again. On her own two feet but not in her own
12
Aug 31, 2020
Nag ChampaI've been watching the ants. / It's August and I sleep in the afternoons. / I'm single. I haven't showered in two days.
49
Aug 6, 2020
Afterward from Our SponsorsYou just sit there, right there, and watch. / I'll collect the debris, out of sight, out of / Mind your manners when I give you a piece of my
16
Jan 28, 2020
Summoner in Sweat PantsI said what I needed to say. / Say it backwards, / breathe it undone
24
Jan 14, 2020
Life as a Luxury Car CommercialOn our way home / rain along passenger windowpane / after party still stirring me, blurring me
19
Sep 3, 2019
A Saturday in OctoberKarin, in my t-shirt, standing / eternal in the doorframe, / saddle-stitching the smell
21
Aug 16, 2019
Dead Dog TwoYou pose him, your child, with the dog, the puppy, / the one your wife insisted you buy for him, your child, / your only son. You stand back. Your wife counts down
20
Aug 6, 2019
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