You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Baptism By Fire<br />
By Adam Scharf!<br />
!!<br />
!!<br />
Year is 1892,!<br />
I fantasize burning alive. !<br />
Mostly at gatherings when others talk about business being good,!<br />
and how their children are smarter than others. I've had enough. !<br />
Tonight I slam the table yelling, “I’m a witch!”!<br />
Everyone stares blankly,“We hardly burn witches anymore.”!<br />
I straighten my tie adjusting my posture, “Alright, well I’m a Jew too.”!<br />
Now they’re pleased, “That we burn.”!<br />
Heading home I pack a suitcase because it felt right,!<br />
and throw away old Christmas cards just in case.!<br />
When I hear the knock I open it boasting, “Hello boys, was just lighting a few<br />
menorahs.”!<br />
They pile me into a wagon tying me up, “I’m filthy boys. I can’t be trusted.”!<br />
Nodding they tighten the ropes.!<br />
Before I know it they’re talking to themselves about sports, and everything their wives<br />
make.!<br />
To speed things along I tell them I drink blood, and the horses move faster than ever.!<br />
I’m dragged to the stake. !<br />
A priest says prayers while throwing water at me. !<br />
Once again I hear the crowd discussing plans, opinions, and inside jokes. !<br />
These people are a riot. !<br />
This crowd will always be a crowd. Even after they’ve split becoming individuals, !<br />
crowded wherever they walk discussing appliances, and how they’ve aged as their<br />
mother had. !<br />
I wiggle my lighter from back pocket, !<br />
it drops setting aflame wood gathered at my feet. !<br />
They protest loudly, “We aren’t ready yet!”!<br />
Letting out a sympathetic exhale, they’re all my children.!<br />
“That's alright boys, I’ll take it from here.”!<br />
!<br />
!"#$%&'()%*!This is Adam’s second publication with Clock<strong>wise</strong> <strong>Cat</strong>. Born<br />
in Utica NY, he now lives in Orlando writing short fiction and recently<br />
completed his first novel. His creative partner is a palomino named Karen.
Change language