Sophie on the Trampoline

The sound of the springs

The sound of the springs on the new trampoline rise above even the screams. I don't like jumping, my stomach flies up, I lose the sense that my arms are connected to my shoulders, proprioception gone backward, and when the world appears at the top of the safety net it feels like only an edge. I prefer the ground going down deep and forever.

Small Stone 16

The Beast in the Backyard

Take it, take it, take it now, he said, jumping, grinning, a blur.
The beast in the backyard didn't slouch toward us
but stood tall
and round
and high
You only have one childhood, she said.

Small Stone 10