Are your toes frozen? I hope not. Especially if you’re as big of a pansy about the weather as I am.
Because the weather knows this about me and is a relentless jerk about this, my revenge is in the form of a seaside adventure story based largely on southern waters. Which is, admittedly, analogous to bringing double your milk money to school and handing one over freely to the big bully. But I don’t know how to kick the weather where it deserves to be kicked, so this is the best I can do. Enjoy it, and keep your toes warm-socked.
[n.b. OH, I’m sorry if you experience any sort of psychedelica presenting in the form of pounding headache or tinnitus when listening to this. I was playing around with a new audio setup, one which I may have to abandon if I can’t get the levels right. But, you know, this is indulgent geekery and hopefully it sounds OK to you.]
ps: if you want to sign up for my mailing list, you’ll not only be among the first to know about new stories, but you’ll also receive a short excerpt from a sleazy vintage novel in each story announcement. If that’s your idea of a good time, You can sign up here.
It’s a haunting story and you’re right that it’s even better when read aloud!
I’m not sure reading it aloud makes the story better….I think it depends on the skill of the person reading it. You certainly brought out the whimsy, and the “free associative” quality of the narrative. All your readings are well done. I do enjoy Christopher Rowe’s writing.
Oh, I don’t think I was suggesting it’s -better- aloud– I think this one’s particularly well-served by the medium, but the story undeniably stands on its own. Glad you liked it!
I’m from Owensboro, Ky., and have traveled much of my life along the Green River and the Ohio River, as well as lived for a time near Paris. Thank you for introducing me to Mr. Rowe, who is a wonderful writer.
I believe Cairo is pronounced Cay-row, or at least that is how my family always said it.