Karen Lethlean

“Fire Deaths” by Karen Lethlean

Submitted to Contest #108

Fire Deaths Mary couldn’t help it. Impossible to ignore those floppy ears, dark eyes and puppy jowls. One individual among so many furry caterpillar creatures who snuffled up to their mother’s ‘milk-tray’, pushing and tugging at her teats. Later when one began nibbling her fingers Mary felt a fierce ownership urge. Named him Deefa - D-fa-dog. She felt sure her husband Jack also desired a farm dog. She remembered their romance, a time when they wandered along silken beach sand. And held her hand out to scoop up setting sun auras appearing ...

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“Rare Brown Tunnel Frog” by Karen Lethlean

Rare Brown Tunnel Frog A few months ago, I was referred to see a proctologist to check out what was going on inside my butt. All those ads on TV refer to the list of symptoms that make me sure I’ve had irritable bowel syndrome for years…bloating, constipation, wind, (hmm do they refer to wind?) digestive problems; Tick that’s me. And I put up with a lot of discomfort. Oh, come on Jack, you’re a victim of advertising, says the loving wife. But what if, I do have a problem, down there? I want to find out the truth. So along I went to an app...

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“Genderless” by Karen Lethlean

Submitted to Contest #106

Genderless With our meal over, yet none wish to rush a break away from enjoyable family time. Where each member is allocated specific preparation roles. All part of our ritual. Sundry cooking tasks, child feeding assistance and eventually tidying up. We stay extending positive together time, when possible. I want to point out this is not merely institutionalized quality family time, but who we are, and what we do. ‘I recall a professor,’ reminisces my partner Lyric. ‘Don’t remember what was being read, but I can picture a missing dust jac...

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“Halloween Evil Love ” by Karen Lethlean

Submitted to Contest #104

Halloween Evil Love. Phone, as always, interrupts. Damn I will never get this mess of forms finished nor reduce patients queued outside in the waiting room. Complaints about waiting time in public hospitals clinics, already enormous will grow gargantuan.  ‘We’re organizing a Halloween party. It will be fancy dress, ghosts, monsters, Halloween-ish things. Do you want to come?’ Jill gushes. ‘Should I bring anything?’ ‘If you like, bring something for supper. Tracy is getting some circulars out to her flight crew, travel agency friend...

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“Food Sex” by Karen Lethlean

Submitted to Contest #100

Food Sex “Faye is staying with friends tonight, grab some food and come over,” says Philip in a jovial tone so unlike his recent ultimatums about when and why I am permitted to call or see him. House renovations, and a hovering spouse both negated intimate opportunities. “Do you like Mexican food?” “Never tried. Now might be your chance, surprise me.” Chili con Queso, Guacamole, corn chips and Wild Peach Cooler later I gaze upward at edges of Dr. Philip Benner’s mansion under construction. Wondering if I should obey an impulse to climb...

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“White 501s” by Karen Lethlean

Submitted to Contest #99

White 501s Their surf boards hang out car’s rear window, just slightly. Like a signal they are headed up this coast to surf. An insignia marking this group as part of larger tribe. Sometimes exhaust fumes are a little hard to take, especially when this old car, they’ve named Henry, struggles up a big hill. To prevent Henry having an engine failure, boys stopped frequently, let his engine cool and kept themselves awake. Radio would work, mostly, since Troy rigged up a coat-hanger aerial, formed into girly hip shape. Occasionally catching i...

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