Chicago On A Summer Day
by Jodi MacArthur
I stepped off the greyhound bus into a boiling puddle of tar. That’s when I knew it was going to be a bad day.
A carnival barker with an Indian headset threw me a thick, braided rope, but it turned into a cobra, coiled, and hissed. I had to let go. It sprouted legs and a business suit and walked away.
So the carnival barker with the Indian headdress undressed and leapt about me crying, “Step right up ladies and gentlemen. The one who can pull out the pretty lady can keep her.”
A black cat with oval, green eyes crept between the carnival barker’s bare legs, sat, licked a sharp claw and said, “I’ll take her.” It stretched out its front paws and let his claws sink into my flesh, which had grown quite warm due to the bubbling. It pulled, meowed, and finally, popped me out.
As the cat picked me up in its mouth and carried me, I became aware that my toes were missing. They stayed behind in the tar. That was ok, I’d grow new ones.
The ability to re-grow toes would be quite handy. The imagery is magical with a great mix of off-beat characters. Great work, Jodi…or should I just say, “Meow.”
I had an Indian headset once. It came with a Dell laptop.
see? this is why i dont trust cats! and anagel is creeping me out with that meow.
nice work Jodi, i love the ‘slightly left of center’ ness of this
Cats, bad or good, are just cool. I love your wild imagination Jodi, and always, your clean writing!
Thanks for the comments everyone!
Hey Jodi, agree with the above but have to add that I LOVE the cobra with the business suit….says so very much!!!! Great piece!!