Tourists trudge throughthe shabby dock marketplace,peruse the usual array ofteeth necklaces, chess setscarved from human boneand assorted shrouds.“Everything very cheap,”say the locals in unison. A crowd gathersat a far-end table,where an old, bent-back,gray-bearded manis selling shrunken heads.He, unlike the others,does brisk business. That’s why,on many a mantelpieceback home,shriveled, dark-eyed facesstare back at whoevercares to admire them.The name of the island,its landscape, its people,are long forgotten.Only … Continue reading Souvenir Shopping by John Grey

There’s nothing to buybut grain and farm suppliesToyota has quit.The appliance store has quit.Have to drive twenty milesfor groceriesand fifty for a new suitor a dress,even to do banking.There’s a gas stationbut it changes owners more oftenthan a stray cat has kittens.The Chinese restaurant closed.There’s just the diner.Main Street is mostlyempty stores,half-hung signs,sagging timbers.Kids stare throughbroken windowswhere flash toys once inspiredtheir Christmastime begging.Old men claim … Continue reading In Deadville by John Grey