Windward Review Vol. 20 (2022): Beginnings and Endings
"Beginnings and Endings" (2022) challenged South Texas writers and beyond to narrate structures of beginnings and ends. What results is a collection of poetry, prose, hybrid writing, and photography that haunts, embraces, and consoles all the same. Similar to past WR volumes, this collection defies easy elaboration - it contains diverse tones, languages, colors, and creative spaces. Creative pieces within the text builds upon others, allowing polyvocal narratives to interlock and defy the logic of 'beginning-middle-end'. By the end of this collection, you will neither sense nor crave the finality that a typical text brings. Instead, you will be inspired to learn and create beyond a narrative linear structure. Your reading and support is sincerely appreciated.
"Beginnings and Endings" (2022) challenged South Texas writers and beyond to narrate structures of beginnings and ends. What results is a collection of poetry, prose, hybrid writing, and photography that haunts, embraces, and consoles all the same. Similar to past WR volumes, this collection defies easy elaboration - it contains diverse tones, languages, colors, and creative spaces. Creative pieces within the text builds upon others, allowing polyvocal narratives to interlock and defy the logic of 'beginning-middle-end'. By the end of this collection, you will neither sense nor crave the finality that a typical text brings. Instead, you will be inspired to learn and create beyond a narrative linear structure. Your reading and support is sincerely appreciated.
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twice I have come here, <strong>and</strong> you aren’t here. What is going on? Do I need to hire a nurse?”<br />
Peggy smiled, the lipstick showing on her teeth. “Nothing that I’m aware of. Was<br />
just about to get Mama her dinner when you walked in. But since you’re here, you can<br />
do it. I’m sure y’all want to spend the time together?”<br />
Donna cocked her head <strong>and</strong> squinted her eyes. “Why are you acting like this?<br />
Something’s off with you...what’s going on here?”<br />
Peggy sighed. “You are here. Do you see something going on?”<br />
Donna nearly dropped her son, her face going pale. “Peggy, you agreed to take<br />
care of Mama in exchange for help. We’ve all been helping you. Then suddenly you stop<br />
caring for her. I need to know—<strong>and</strong> now, what the hell is going on?”<br />
Peggy straightened her spine. “Would you <strong>and</strong> the children like to stay for dinner?<br />
There will be enough for everyone.”<br />
Donna stared at Peggy for a long time, as if to search her face for a clue, then<br />
disappeared into their mother’s room with the children. Peggy put her ear to the door<br />
but could only hear her mother crying <strong>and</strong> Donna’s children acting up.<br />
Peggy shrugged her shoulders, put tape three on <strong>and</strong> busied herself cooking<br />
dinner. The man screamed in her ear:<br />
‘Take the wheel of your ship! Is there something that You need to do to<br />
make YOUR dreams a reality? Do it! Do you!’<br />
Donna finally came out of the room, her children tagging behind her. “Do you have<br />
Mama’s food ready?”<br />
Peggy pulled down the earphones.<br />
Donna sighed, looking over the tray of beef tips, peas, <strong>and</strong> potatoes. Peach pie for<br />
dessert.<br />
Peggy smiled. “Is this acceptable?”<br />
Donna grabbed the tray. “You better snap out of whatever cloud you’re on or<br />
you’re gonna be out on your ass!”<br />
Peggy laughed. “A hot bath calls my name. See yourself out after you feed Mama.”<br />
On that note, Peggy turned her heel, then swiveled back around like a ballet<br />
dancer, “oh, <strong>and</strong> please have a pleasant night.”<br />
‘Take the wheel!! Stop waiting!!!’<br />
****<br />
Peggy laid in bed until the moon peeked in the sky. This was planned. The house<br />
was quiet when she crawled out of bed, slipping her feet into warm slippers.<br />
She tiptoed to her mother’s room where she could hear the old woman snoring.<br />
The room was pitch black. Peggy turned the small flashlight she held ON. She shifted a<br />
pillow under her arm.<br />
She slipped the flashlight into her skirt pocket, so it would shine on the floor. The old<br />
woman coughed, then opened her eyes. Peggy could see the white of her mother’s eyes.<br />
Time Waster.<br />
<strong>Beginnings</strong> X <strong>Endings</strong><br />
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