On the Bench by Claire Schön
Training
Bubbles tickle my tongue, thrash my throat, numb my mind. A drop that used to excite now flows freely – expected. As much as I want, more than I desire.
Gold cases to powder my nose, inside and out. My senses alert, feelings muted.
The kit
Dazzle, decorate, distract – draw the drapes to the soul.
Pumped full, painted, shiny and crimson. Corners set hard in place. A flash of pearly white fortresses to hold back words raging to escape.
Nothing given away: all expression perfectly paralyzed.
In season, stamped with brands of approval. Original parts exchanged for plastic perkier models.
The deal
What’s mine is yours, and what’s yours is mine.
…
Offside
Tut, tut, muddy, messy, not at all ladylike. Girls don’t play ball.
Neither do I, I compete.
Raised brows, ridicule, retreat.
‘That won’t get you off the estate. Let your lashes do the legwork.’
He never beat me at a match; I was quicker, stronger, had more control.
‘Girls can’t kick – it’s not natural.’
Showered in money, adoration and lust, he forgot where we came from, and I followed him there.
…
Own goal
Sensationalist screams of another sordid scandal.
Tears taint the shine on this trophy.
Bubbles tickle my tongue, thrash my throat, numb my mind.
A kick that used to excite substituted for this life. I want for nothing; I have no desire.
Claire is British and lives in Austria. She writes either very short (micro and flash) or very long (novels) stories. She won Retreat West’s Pitch competition in 2022 and third place with another novel in the 2023 Opening Lines competition. A further novel was long-listed for the 2023 First Chapter competition. Claire tweets now and then @SchonClaire and is on bsky – @clairescouch.bsky.social
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