Andrew Cyr

One day in January, I traversed the I-5to clear my headspace.I cranked up The Japanese House on the stereo.I drummed my thumb along the steering wheel’s edge.I shifted my attention to the evergreen treesstacked with white flakes tipping the tops.I returned my eyes to the road.A fucking deer trotted into the street.I pumped my brakesbut collided with the fucker.And now he’s dead … [Read more...] about Struggling With Reality, By: Andrew Cyr

January ushered in coolerWashington weatherthan the year before.An icy breeze pushedthrough my Army hoodie,and goosebumps formed.An unevenly lit hospitalwith a softer bed than my ownwas my second home.After Lora died,I’d been staying here for myown good, the doctor said.My fists bled as I swungthrough windows.This world took advantageof me enough for a lifetime.Maybe that’s why … [Read more...] about Gratitude In Death, By: Andrew Cyr

Nadia had a cigarettebetween both teeth.In the apartment next door,I’d heard when Nadia playedThe Aces’s record.I rubbed my face with my handsto drown out the sightof the sound of her album,playing The Aces again.Goddamn The Aces.Night, day, or anytimein between, she’d be dancingto the songs of the beats I heardbut I memorized the wordswithout a second thought.I’d sing the … [Read more...] about Lovely Album, By: Andrew Cyr

At a friend’s wedding,the pastor questionedif anyone objected.I visited this churchwhen the pastor baptizedme this time last year.I wasn’t just anyone,I was the one for Audrea.And this couldn’t go on.I raised my handas a sea of heads turned my way.I shied away from second thoughtsand followed through to showwhy she should not marry this man.Audrea’s mortified eyes softenedas I … [Read more...] about A Wedding Objection, By: Andrew Cyr

I didn’t ride the trainbut my car had a flatand I couldn’t be late,not after the last timemy boss told me I’d mefiling for unemploymentthe next time, whichwas this time.The train bumped every third rail,exploiting the silenceover expressionless faces.I bounced my leg and cutmy gaze opposite me.A woman embraced my glancewith a warm smileand a sparkle in her eye.The corner of my … [Read more...] about Trained In Love, By: Andrew Cyr