Andrew Brown 9/29/21 Andrew Brown 9/29/21

Waiting for the Train (ASH to WAS)

ASHLAND, Va. — I’m early as usual. So early. Too early. It would be waste of time if it weren’t an opportunity to write. Writing stops time. At the very least, it preserves time. Time is a cucumber. Time is a watermelon. Time is a fruit or vegetable. Time is a fruit and vegetable. Writing is vinegar and heat. Writing pickles time.

Andrew Brown 7/9/21 Andrew Brown 7/9/21

When the Clock Strikes the Hour

ASHLAND, Va. — I’m not composed at all in this tranquil space. A squirrel leaps from inside the trash can and startles me. A spider crawls on my neck and creeps me out. Mosquitos keep trying to get one over on me. There are two bumps on my arm and one on my face from where they’ve finished feasting.