dennis scharnberg

lugging iron chests

Now, using your thumbs, key in the following words:  “I am not an idiot.”

Griffin Poindexter, Particle Swarm Theory: More Stories.

taking a tumble

At some point, Mr. Alwyn came to believe that he could talk reality into existence.

Chadwick Graves, One Damned Thing After Another.

tossing a stool

“In Diana’s case,” said Watson, “being factually correct is strictly an accident.”

Carla Marks, The Murder Matter.

reviewed by peers

Everything appears to be solid, and decades seem to last so long.  But these institutions all round us have the lifetime of mayflies.

Winston Joyce, Rational Agent Theory.

medium as tedium

The sky, or some substantial portion of it, was falling….

Victoria Salt, A Compendium of Opening Lines.

polar bears weep

“Lies we go for with enthusiasm,” said Grimshawe.  “Anything but the truth, old thing.  Give us lies!”

Silas Burbage, The Adventurous Half-Life of Buddy Boyo.

mother of pearl

The trespasser explained to the police that he couldn’t tell that the sign actually meant what it said simply from reading it.

Burdyce Goode, Philosophy of Vegetables.

pursuit of self

“Most dreams are bungled,” said Mr. Palmer.  “That we are sleeping does not absolve us.”

Will Davies,  She Would If She Could.

nature as nightmare

“Please,” urged Ludwig, “do not use my questions as answers.

Roone Giddings, An Arrangement of Particles.

drawn and quartered

“When hedgehogs are nipping at your feet, here is what to do….”  And that’s the sort of thing that Alex would say in those days, sometimes in an officious voice and sometimes in a sing-song manner.

Burdyce Goode, Philosophy of Vegetables.