A Penny Saved • Ashley Hudson
Michelle Estile Caramel is Normal

               (for Candy S.)

She had a reading disorder. Couldn't distinguish the phonetic fake words. Wished she could change her name to a combination of sister sorceress robe. The vacation of a serial killer victim gaze. Too much hairspray in the hyacinths. Aging under a veil in church's stiff wooden bitch.

Why would the aerialist desire more applesauce than his opponent? Need so terribly a standing ovulation? Would Columbo discover the trapped pizza's severed rope? She will find out when she skips school. Her wrists will grow tire tracks with all the studying. Who needs to read when there's so much singing?

A penis severed is a penny earned. Pin a hymnal to her dress. Place her small face in a locksmith. Someone's already said love is a four-letter word. And candy much too sweet.