THAT’S NO CAT! I brake before realizing the creature darting out from the darkness is an opossum. Earl the Urban Possum doesn’t belong here. He’s probably digging up the neighborhood, scattering garbage, spreading disease, and scaring old ladies. The thing to do is gun it while he’s frozen in my headlights. But, he is no longer just a random wild animal. I’ve named him Earl. Earl comes to his senses. And, he’s gone.

.

Nicola after the fall:

Gravity is never nice
to bipeds on the glide
throws you down like tumble dice
for one wild iced up ride
“Look at me ma, I can skate!”
is pride before the plop
gravity will fling your pate
to bottom from the top
Helpless in an awkward spin
plunging until you stop
to reflect on where you’ve been
on your most recent flop
Fractured landing with no net
is no idea of fun
take a load of Percocet
until your healings done
One day we’ll look back and hoot
at this most tragic swoon
for now we’ll just play it cute
and trust you’ll get well soon

.

“A CHICKEN COUP!” That’s what the newspapers called it. Walt and Irene experienced it first hand when the sheer volume of roosters crowing and hens cheerfully conversing woke them at first light. Their backyard was packed with poultry that appeared out of nowhere! They still don’t know who the birds belong to, nor how they got there. “Some days chickens I guess,” was Walt’s take. “With a vengeance babe!” Irene added.

.

LITTLE BIT’S BOA is devoid of feathers and way too animated for me. I’m thinking: This is the kind of party where the invitation “come as you are” includes wearing an undulating, six foot, predatory constrictor around the neck? And, how did she get a nickname like “Little Bit?” As she introduces herself, I realize I’m halfway through my third Tanqueray and tonic. I’ve had enough. Don’t want to pass out at this party!

.

THE PARTY is long over. Gloria awakes alone in the park, sitting leaning against a tree. Piles of empty beer bottles and junk food debris are all she has to orient herself. A vivid sunrise and frosty air don’t help a pulsating hangover, but she smiles, feeling wonderfully alive. Staggering to her feet, she begins the long walk to town. She wonders what happened to her friends, and imagines what should happen to them.

.