Rose Petal

By Roy Gomez

Pink — like the meanest slap on the face. Of course, Mother will demand an explanation. A soccer ball spun ‘round a tall pole at the end of a rope when, abruptly, wham. We laughed! Mother, the boys invited me to return. Yes, I did indeed tell them I’m allowed outdoors only on Saturday afternoons – ‘weather permitting,’ as she says. But I’m refreshed now. Renewed! Studying String Theory will be so much more productive. She’ll agree. She must. Mother will concede that exercise serves me well. Pink, I’ll tell her — showing my cheek — pink like a fresh new baby rose petal.

         
Roy Gomez  lives with wife and pets on a hillside overlooking Medina Lake, Texas, in the center of the Milky Way.