“Empty Chair 2” © Digby Beaumont

 

Dependents

my mother lay in bed
no one answers the buzzer
which she pressed

or the hand bell
they gave her
to ring, so much

Depends, too many
Are worn in nursing homes,
the help can’t get there in time,

I never want to
be in a place like this,
I confess to my children

I’ll get as old, in some
kind of place like this
so much depends on

my words now, I give
Full consent
for the pillow

over my face trick
until someone comes
arrives too late

 

Bestselling Author Timothy Gager has published eighteen books of fiction and poetry, which includes his third novel, Joe the Salamander. In addition, he has had over 1000 works of fiction and poetry published, seventeen nominated for the Pushcart Prize. His work also has been nominated for a Massachusetts Book Award, The Best of the Web, The Best Small Fictions Anthology and has been read on National Public Radio. In 2023, Big Table Publishing published an anthology of twenty years of his selected work, with 175 pages of new material.

Digby Beaumont is an award winning artist. His artwork has been published extensively in collaboration with writers of fiction, poetry and music. Much of his current work combines screen printing with acrylic painting and pen and ink drawing. Digby’s primary interest is in exploring visual images that move him and will then move the viewer. His work often suggests narrative. His subjects include portraits, figures, urban scenes and still lifes. He also has a pen and ink series entitled I Don’t Know What Came Over Me, a whimsical take on what it is to be human. Digby is also a widely published writer. His stories and poetry have appeared in more than 100 magazines and anthologies, including The Best Small Fictions. Previously, as a textbook author, he had numerous publications, including international best sellers.