Like Adonis
Lee folded the paper and decorated. Lace formed a heart, glitter a lightning bolt. He labored over the words, pausing to consider their impact. Ink scrawled across the page, scratches on the inside of a tomb.
Finished and satisfied, Jason set the card atop his gift. Tape secured the envelope.
He knocked on Jenny’s door, gift in hand. His insides twisted, nerves ablaze, but he stood straight and waited.
The door swung, revealing Jenny. She shone, shaming angels. He averted his eyes, blinded, and offered the gift. “Happy Valentine’s Day,” he gulped and whispered.
Jenny sighed. “Add it to the pile.” With a sweep of her hand, she indicated a heap on the table. He recognized signatures.
Classmates proceeded him, offering love.
His eyes widened. “Don’t you want to open it?”
She yawned. “Not now. I will though. Thank you.”
He regarded her. “Jenny, not opening the present is rude. It took time to make.”
She raised her brow. “Oh, is it? Then I suppose I should open it now.”
He handed her the box. Her brow crinkled as she read the card.
Lightning pierced a heart. Script proclaimed, “For your love.”
She sighed. “I don’t love you,” she exclaimed.
“I know. It’s for what you do love.”
She tapped her slipper, lips pursed, but opened the box. Paper floated to the ground. She removed tissue and a mirror. Like Adonis, she beheld her own reflection.
“Jagged Hole,” © TJ Edson
Kerry E.B. Black dances with words in her little house outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA. Readers can seek the results of such choreography at her Facebook page.
TJ Edson is the Art Director of Oddball Magazine and a volunteer at the Out of The Blue Art Gallery. He has also had work appear recently in Terrarium.
Reblogged this on Allusionary Assembly.