Among the few able to leave of their
own accord, Mable, who drove a Cadillac
Deville, mistook the gas pedal for the brake
and looked aghast, when suddenly
her front end rested against an entryway
pillar, left with a dent. Mable’s body was bruised
from the restraint; as was her
pride. We watched her deflate like the airbag
when moved from the wreck to a gurney;
she’d become upset that the day
she was frightened to see, was already here—
she gave up license and keys to her family,
chose to surrender her freedom for fear
her fender might meet something softer than stone.
Matthew Chronister has a background rooted in the study and production of literature. He graduated with honors from American River College, receiving an A.A. in English. He is currently completing his B.A. in English at California State University, Sacramento, where he also plans to pursue a Master’s degree, with the hope of teaching in the future.
8-WEST PRESS 