Suki*
by Aaron Sandberg

She calls to tell me the old dog is dead

and that she thought I’d like to know

eight years after I had left

and eight after I last heard from her

and eight after I had seen the dog

as I sit on the porch
​
of a new home
with a new dog
from a new love
whom I tell 'old friend'
when she asks who that was
on the phone
in the new yard
where she says
she wants to put
a bridge
to decorate--
the ones
they have
in gardens
of Japan.

*(Suki—a Japanese girl’s name meaning “loved one.”)

Photo by Linda Gould

Aaron Sandberg has appeared in West Trade Review, Asimov’s, The Offing, Sporklet, perhappened mag, Lowestoft Chronicle, Abridged, Giallo, Right Hand Pointing, Monday Night, Unstamatic, and elsewhere. A Pushcart-nominated teacher, you can see him—if he doesn’t see you first—on Instagram @aarondsandberg.

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