Jaclynn Loibl

The Juice

I had a visitor arrive at our cabin, my cousin, who’s being smoked out of her house due to wildfire pollution. I didn’t have time to write; therefore, the writing exercise I did earlier will have to suffice. Time stops on June 17, 1994. “Girls, get in here.” The authoritative tone shivers me to dropContinue reading “The Juice”

Break A Leg

It is a blur, but I can make out the curvature of its face, the light, and dark of its body, how it swoops smoothly and lowly, and its massive and oblong shape. An owl, I realize. Dave and I see it amidst playing pretend with Evelyn using a stick for an oar and a roundContinue reading “Break A Leg”

Old Man

Every night it seems, when I start writing, there’s this frosting layer of depressed emotion I have to wade through to find words. Is it resistance? Is it my actual state of being? Its wall-like presence intimidates me like one of those weeping angels from Dr. Who. I wish I didn’t have this old codgerContinue reading “Old Man”

Hush Little Baby

I’m unsure what to write about: My lackluster job at being a duck mom? The new couple I’m working with? Our trip to the ocean in the morning? Or something else. I can hear a murmur of “Mary Had A Little Lamb” sung by Dave one room over. I’m writing, yet slightly annoyed it’s takingContinue reading “Hush Little Baby”

Sit Ubu, Sit

“Don’t fight the test” is a figure of speech I tell myself when I need to back off. Years ago, when studying for the National Mental Health Counseling Examination, I kept running into answers with which I disagreed. Whenever I encountered one, I’d jump out of my chair, storm into my supervisor’s office, and shareContinue reading “Sit Ubu, Sit”

Heart Healin’

When I drift to the land of not, to a space of no more, I wonder why I came. To grieve, to breathe, for a bit of reprieve? Sometimes I’ll sift through the rubble of the past for answers. I’ll see a hill of bricks, pick one up, and analyze its shape and lines. DidContinue reading “Heart Healin’”

Reflections: A Poem

Under the streaked window and the dust-bunnied cracks are the streams of light that come from staring too long; the whisps drawing across the room like a megaphone. A standstill in a game of tug-a-war. A glimpse in the mirror. For free, the advice I give. I nod off, “Leave a tip on the counter.”Continue reading “Reflections: A Poem”

Recklessly Responsible

I’m in the lazy river period of my life; I barely need to flick a finger to steer myself on track. No whitewater rapids. No sudden drops or jagged rocks. Just sit back and enjoy the scenery. I’m patting my mouth from a nice, long yawn; without the bumps, shoots, and unexpected chaos, what’s theContinue reading “Recklessly Responsible”

Wielding Wizardly Ways

We’re in Seattle, driving up and down city streets, looking for a place to park. At one time, I knew secret free spots, but the city’s upped their game and has installed a shit ton of signage that blocks me. We’re parked half a mile from Climate Pledge arena; a $3.89 street parking price tagContinue reading “Wielding Wizardly Ways”

A Rat In A Cage

I’m reaching for something out of reach. The madness of it sends me into fits of despair. Are you there? I’m alone. But I thought you were near. It wrings my stomach like a wet towel. I’ve given my all, and what’s left is sour milk. I spit. I’m no longer me but an artificialContinue reading “A Rat In A Cage”