Uh-Huh
- First published in the Indiana University literary journal, Tributaries.
My middle of nowhere memories include The Man.
On a concrete slab behind our house,
fenced so the Dobermans stay home,
I roller skated past the basketball hoop,
becoming one with the circuit along the fence.
Strawberry Shortcake stood proud on either foot.
“Crumblin’ Down” turned to “Pink Houses.”
John Cougar Mellencamp sang the best anthems.
I turned six when Uh-Huh came out. “Pink Houses” played.
Why did I glance into the woods?
Beyond the driveway, through the trees. A man stood,
disguised by shadows. Faceless in flannel and blue jeans.
Crouching down. Not sitting. Not standing.
My heartbeat drowned out “Pink Houses.”
One eye on the flannelled shadow, my feet kept moving.
Too afraid to leave the safety of the chain link.
My eyes darted from The Man to the back door.
A jumpable distance in shoes. But I wore skates.
“Authority Song.” One foot rolled past the other.
Left. Right. Left Right. The circles became dizzying.
The Man stood. Hesitated. I held my breath.
Finally, he turned and walked away.
I skate-ran to the back door.
Never knowing who watched me that day.
Never forgetting that fear.
Terra Orndorff 