Andrew Lafleche
or eight, dad counted
pink baby possums
eyes moist closed
had to inspect
when mother was out
theirs and ours
reconnaissance
before I learned the word
hung the hose
over the lip
of the garbage can
filled it
“turn off the water,” he said
“I’ll be right back”
returned with a churning sack
basmati
only rice didn’t churn
dropped it into the bin
everyday trash
thrashing squeals
before a consuming silence
“we’ll catch mother tonight”
and went inside
too young to know
what that meant
***
Andrew Lafleche is an award-winning poet and author of seven books. His work uses a spoken style of language to blend social criticism, philosophical reflection, explicit language, and black comedy. Andrew enlisted in the Army in 2007 and received an honorable discharge in 2014. Visit www.AJLafleche.com for more information.