Not So Different After All

Frans de Waal On Animal Intelligence And Emotions

With the coronavirus we have another interesting issue: how we eat wildlife. Ecologists and conservationists have been saying for fifty years that we shouldn’t be eating everything on the planet.

Sex After Death

I’d thought dating would make me feel less grief, but it was the opposite. I decided to delete my Match.com account and learn to masturbate. I had enough sadness in my own life.

Out Of The Ordinary

I hand my wife the bag, and she finds the two packs of wet wipes. It is the happiest I’ve made her in weeks.

Seaside

When James is high, he is at his most affectionate. He becomes generous with hugs. He kisses my face all over, eyelids and all. I am ashamed that I like this about his addiction.

Firebirds

After barre, Mme. Francesca follows me to the locker room and tells me I’m officially going to the Cupids dance program this summer and I just can’t stand it.

The Hairdresser

sees the old woman — wheelchair bound, pushed by her daughter — glance / out the window, and goes in back / to fetch a shower cap. The woman tugs her daughter’s shirt and says, almost / inaudibly, It’s raining. / And it is raining. Barely.

Crazy Bitch

God, it feels good to be a crazy bitch. / To stand straddle-legged in a slip dress and stilettos / lashing out recriminations, nonsensical accusations / that leave his mouth agape. To stop being understanding, / reasonable. To rage with the heat of a thousand tigers in your heart.

Already True

A Selection Of Poetry For These Times