Issue #28, August, 2002 : -- -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -6 -7 -8 -9 -10 11 -12
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Anne Valley-Fox

Woman Y Woman Y is thrown in the lap of Stranger X for no apparent reason. Impetuously, she promises conjugal love; in turn, he confides his plan to kill the insurance agent. Cheerfully, Y conspires-- they'll bury him in the vineyard and disappear with the proceeds. By midnight they're married, the victim is tucked in a casket behind the nuptial roses, but sudden antipathy renders the couple anathema to each other. Worse still, Central Office deduces the murder and phones in the morning-- they're heading over to make a double arrest. Y withdraws to bathe and dress; she peers out the upstairs window. Groom and residual guests are playing "Marco Polo" in the swimming pool; a fleet of squad cars cuffs the gravel drive. This may be her last respite for many years--10 to 12 if she slants the facts so that X takes the rap and she is his passive accomplice.

"For the Trees" go to larger image

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Issue #28, August, 2002 :
Santa Fe Poetry Broadside.