Collage and monoprint, 14” x 10.5”, Framed

To the Beginnings

By Whitney Fuemmeler

The landlord raises rent the way tabloids write articles.

Skunk smoke snakes through a shared wall vent like a Looney Toons trail, courtesy of Apartment 8.

Zillow, Zillow, Zillow overwhelms my Google history.

The realtor's eyes gleam. A twinkle or a scheme?

For sale by the owner, a roomy bungalow tucked in the cusp of town.

Our offer is over asking.

That’s the price of a new beginning.

Hands clasped, we stand on the front steps that overlook a shaded front lawn.

Our place smells of cinnamon apple candles, and sounds like wind through autumn leaves. We're home.