Kissing Sluts

by Erin Bealmear

Originally published on November 1, 1998

Barely teenagers, we were kissing sluts. One day we licked on the same ice cream cone, the next your tongue rubbed against my teeth; later we touched bare thighs, playing each other’s invisible companions, our hair still slightly damp from the unchlorinated lake. I had toothpaste lips, that’s what you told me while we pretended [...]

Ever After

by Erin Bealmear

Originally published on June 1, 1998

The curse. I often wonder, if it has finally died. But no, like a dog fucking another dog it won’t let go. Licking the quiet sounds that come through me like an untamed beast. Like never being young. Like all the ones before. Hedda Lister’s choking, choking, choking until her gasps flee leaving a piece [...]