Shannon Hardwick

A creature prone to violence might attack you

Hidden in the cupboard, what is unbearable.
Your life arched in a ribcage. A toddler climbs
the counter one more time, a composition of
Gerbera daisies in his hand. You—his
mother—on the phone discussing ghost particles.
Life left you desperate. What is unbearable
in the cupboard? A deep growl. A glint of teeth
in back left corner. Two creations & you—orbit.

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Shannon Hardwick's work has appeared, or is forthcoming, in Gulf Coast Journal, The Texas Observer, The Missouri Review, Four Way Review, Salamander, Sixth Finch and Passages North, among others. Hardwick serves as the Editor-in-Chief at The Boiler Journal.