By Kerry McNamara
Saving grace
EQUUS, May 2015
The warmth of summer was fading quickly as the first of September dawned. The low moon still shone brightly as it sank toward the horizon, and the dark land was quiet and still. I looked across the fields to the back paddock to see if I could make out his silhouette.
“Taking Your Time” The Sun Literary Magazine, July 2018
My Dad was sixteen years older than my mother, and when he came to school events, he was often mistaken for my grandfather. My mother prided herself on keeping him young, cooking him heart-healthy meals and insisting he take his nightly walks.
“Staring at Walls” The Font Journal, Spring 2015
As a high school teacher I have spent a lot of time looking up into the corners of my classroom, convinced I am on a reality television show. Perhaps this is my own wishful thinking in hopes that someone will bear witness to the words exchanged, the strange actions, the joy, the tears, and the comedy that takes place every day in my classroom.
“The Button” Blue River Magazine, Fall 2017
“Are you ready?” he asked.
My sore, watery eyes glanced up as Nathan, the crematorium director, appeared in the doorway. The noiseless room remained silent as I looked around hoping for someone to make the decision— someone to decide to be ready.
“A Day at the Races” Equus Magazine, Summer 2017
June is a month of birthdays in my family—mine comes six days after my dad’s, so I have made it a custom to drive up to New York from Virginia every year with my husband, Mike, and our two kids. We usually celebrate with a small party at my parents’ house, and then we uphold our family tradition: My dad and I go to the races.