Inheritance

I think of my father taking me to see Batman opening night. Teaching me poker at the cabin. Demonstrating the slick footwork for the moonwalk. I think of his hitching laughter drifting up through the vents, intruding on my sleep. His fractured conversations. The hushed sobbing. I think of the shine on the hospital floors. His rough beard worn like a muzzle. The smell of Lysol and shit. His glassy eyes, wet like fishbowls. I think of how people say we look alike. That depression runs in the family. How tomorrow I’ll be older than he was when he jumped.

Photo Credit: Viri G

3 Responses to “Inheritance”

1. Malcolm says:

   February 12, 2023 at 2:41 pm

   Lovely visual detail, and what an ending!

   Reply
2. rich gravelin says:

   February 4, 2023 at 12:51 am

   Wow, a gut-punch ending. Love it.

   Reply
3. Doug Sylver says:

   February 3, 2023 at 10:36 pm

   A whole life, deteriorating, in 100 words.
   Very well done. Brutal and poignant.

   Reply