POKER

Image by Christine Renney DispersingLike light andThe naked smokeBeneath a single bulbRegaining and losing its fightBehind the penny facade Where every stand is the lastEvery deal the bestEvery hand the oneDoes it scatterIn the air and earthLike a seedAt a place in the city called Hope

THE GRADE

Image by Christine Renney Dean was amazed that he had managed to hold off for so long. He had decided to languish with the minority, but not because he was in any way pious or had some overly zealous agenda. Dean was a user, had been for all of his adult life, for as long

GHOST LETTER 36

Image by Christine Renney Can alcohol still take hold? Get inside and make its demands? Or am I too full of holes and will it seep through the scars? I have separated the can from its companions, freed it from the plastic ring and set it down in front of where I am sitting. Leaning

THRESHOLD

Image by Christine Renney His hand on my shoulder is cold At the threshold I can see Through the net Tin foil and a spoon

THE COLLECTOR

Thomas collects the needles. It is an unpopular job but is open to all. No qualifications are required or prior experience, not even a recommendation. One has simply to turn up and register at an Agency office, take to the streets and, using the bags provided, start Collecting. The needles are everywhere, at least here