a lump with legs I’m in hiding
in liquor stores and recycling centers
I think I’ve stepped on the mountain’s foot
– From “An Immigration Ceremony” by Rich Ives
Issue Ninety-Four
9 comments to “Issue Ninety-Four”
9 comments to “Issue Ninety-Four”
“Off the Curb” is a beautiful, beautiful story.I know exactly how the main character feels. She’s heading inevitably into a future that will be nothing like the present, and doesn’t know if it will be the beginning or the end of life as she knows it! She’s at the proverbial jumping off place and I want to hug and jump with her!
I loved “Off the Curb.” I loved how the tension built up. I had the very enjoyable experience of the ending not being what I expected, but it was very satisfying.
Kathleen wrote:
Ms. Moore’s “Off the Curb” is masterful and brilliant. Each paragraph is visually painted and submerges me into the subconscious and inner struggles of the protagonist’s life. I admire, Gwendolyn’s role as mother,wife and artist. “Off the Curb” symbolically questions our role in society of nature v.s. nurture. as women. Great story.
I just finished reading “Off the Curb” and was so impressed with this story. I loved the magical reality and the way the writer describes the family relationships. The writing is wonderful and I was completely drawn into Gwendolyn’s life.
Well said. I totally agree. It is a beautifully written story.
“Off the Curb”… at first I was intrigued; then I was amazed. Can you say “real”? The writing was alive and forceful; the relationships complex and evocative. I deeply enjoyed this story.
Excited to have discovered this journal. Especially enjoyed The Keeper by Vicki Iorio.
I found “Off the Curb” very interesting. Ms. Moore’s descriptions of Gwendolyn’s outer life are prosaic but the descriptions of her inner life are highly imaginative, disturbing, captivating and lyrical. The juxtaposition of Gwendolyn’s outer life and inner life manages to illustrate and illuminate Thoreau’s words that “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them,” which is no easy feat.
“Off the Curb” poignantly captures the essence of the bittersweet nature of letting children grow and go. Moore’s vivid descriptions make both exterior scenes and interior emotions palpable, as she explores the both excruciating and joyful struggle of parents and children finding their own way. Bravo!