Trigger Warning PEOPLE OF A SENSITIVE NATURE ARE ADVISED THAT THE FOLLOWING EXTRACTS EXPLORE FAMILY DYSFUNCTION AND ABUSE ISSUES Zero Gravity Gayle J. Greenlea Excerpt for 12 November, 2021 <chapter> Two continued Hilary rang the bell and was buzzed in. The interior was dimly lit with black decor, leather furniture, and crystal-cut chandeliers spindling from the ceiling. The floor was Italian ceramic tile. A bored-looking receptionist sat behind the desk. Hilary suspected she was trans. Her hair and makeup were exquisite and she had cheekbones to die for. “Welcome to Secret Desire,” the woman said, “where your most secret desire is fulfilled. What can we do for you today, pet?” Hilary said she was looking for Penelope and the receptionist raised a delicate eyebrow. “Oh, yes. Penelope’s one of our best. You want an hour or her special?” she inquired in a faintly husky voice. -Gayle J. Greenlea YOU’RE THE DEAD TO ME Second week – Growing – Day Eleven Day Five

Dead leaf says to the earth:

“There are so many others”

“Forget till later.”

Bios And Links -Gayle J. Greenlea is an American-Australian poet and counselor for survivors of sexual and gender-related violence. Her poem, Wonderland”, received the Australian Poetry Prod Award in 2011. She shortlisted and longlisted for the Fish Poetry Prize in 2013, and debuted her first novel, Zero Gravity, at the KGB Literary Bar in Manhattan in 2016. Her work has been published in St. Julian Press, Rebelle Society, A Time to Speak, Headline Poetry and Press, The Wombwell Rainbow, Fevers of the Mind, Kalonopia and The Australian Health Review.