Well I didn’t expect this.It’s like: the first whiff of fresh-baked bread. Or the smell of spring in the morning through an open bedroom window. I didn’t expect this.the surprise/appreciation/delightof your gift – all the betterbecause it was unlooked-for. It fit. It fit perfectly, as if someone had me in in mind (and of course…you did).And now I wonder what will make … Continue reading Kismet
Stunted
Slow and steady suffocation - Pressure built since her gestation, (solid, squat configuration) Tired of domestication – so she tries inebriation. Give the slightest indication, she will try for liberation. But, in spite of her frustration (run from supposed degradation) the unknown of novelization threatens all anticipation. And so, to supreme irritation, - almost like … Continue reading Stunted
Snowfall
Little girl with the jet-black hair, with the white skin and red lips (a veritable Snow White) - with a wicked sense of humor, and dark irony behind all your couth phrases. Little girl with the tiny porcelain figure, little girl in your glass castle high on a hill. And your stark livelihood, subsisting solely … Continue reading Snowfall
The Best Gift for College
Below is a letter I wrote to my cousin's daughter to explain why I was not a totally out-of-touch nerd to give her a copy of Pride and Prejudice as a college going-away gift (even though, I really am a totally out-of-touch nerd). Dear Stacee, Before you roll your eyes and prepare a polite smile … Continue reading The Best Gift for College
Malvolio & Shylock: Shakespeare’s “Problem Characters”
The below paper written in 2007 is submitted as proof that I did, at one point, write more than snarky social media posts. In Shakespeare’s two comedies, The Merchant of Venice and Twelfth Night, there are many similarities including improbable romances, cross-dressing women, and bumbling fools. However, the most interesting element that these two plays … Continue reading Malvolio & Shylock: Shakespeare’s “Problem Characters”
Ash and Water
Today I’m putting on my heaviest coat, my mittens, boots, and woolen socks, and I will lie out on my roof in the ninety-degree heat, until I have either burned or melted away. And when finally finally all that is left is a puddle of sweat (or maybe a pile of ash), I will see … Continue reading Ash and Water
Yenita
“Mom. I’m no longer calling you Mom. From now on, I am calling you Yenita.” I stare at my six-year-old son Charlie as he tells me this – his face is deadpan but his eyes (large, dark eyes) have a glint in them. “Ok…” I say. “But where did Yenita come from?” He shrugs and … Continue reading Yenita
Breathe
If there is one thing you do, remember to breathe. Breath it all in, suck in everything (everything) that you can. Inhale the freshness around you And taste the flavor of laughter (and, if you can, compassion). In breathing, you can’t discriminate; You take in the bad air along with the good. So breathe in … Continue reading Breathe
A High Schooler’s Lament to a Clock
Go away, you stupid face - And take your hands some other place. I see your numbers every day, you count the hours I must stay. Sadistic and satiric thing – if I should want the bell to ring, you move so slowly I want to scream. But, during tests, or if I dream, you … Continue reading A High Schooler’s Lament to a Clock
Welcome to Pocket Sized
Hi...I'm Courtney. I have been writing for as long as I can remember. A lot of my writing has been lost over the years, but some stuff is still with me. I created this site as a place to house anything I've written that I like. Here you might find old college essays (proof I … Continue reading Welcome to Pocket Sized
