Fire Prevention - Brad Rose

Once, I fell asleep in a fire. It was OK. I’m inflammable. Marguerite says that, like eleven fingers, I have an unusual condition. Sometimes, I talk backwards to the bathroom mirror. Like igniting a kerosene blaze with a rain-damp match, what’s hard for some is easier for others. Just when you think you’ve got your chemicals perfectly mixed, you begin to hear voices in your head again. Mine are whispers about sparks. Yesterday, Marguerite texted me. She said, Don’t forget, you’re out on your own recognizance. Later, as I was carrying my gas can up Lake St., the police stopped me. I told them, I look a lot like my identical twin. They didn’t crack a smile, but they let me go. I went home and locked myself in. Eventually, every fire burns itself out. I felt much better after I listened to the flames.

Originally published by Into the Void, 2019

Brad Rose was born and raised in Los Angeles, and lives in Boston. He is the author of seven collections of poetry and flash fiction: I Wouldn’t Say That, Exactly,  WordInEdgeWise,  Lucky Animals, No. Wait. I Can Explain,  Pink X-Ray, de/tonations, and Momentary Turbulence. His book of prose poems, Or Words to that Effect, is forthcoming. Eight times nominated for a Pushcart Prize, and three times nominated for the Best of the Net Anthology, Brad’s poetry and fiction have appeared in: The American Journal of Poetry, The Los Angeles Times, Baltimore Review, New York Quarterly, Lunch Ticket, Puerto del Sol, Clockhouse, Folio, Best Microfiction (2019), Action Spectacle, Right Hand Pointing, and other journals and anthologies. His website is www.bradrosepoetry.com  Selected audio readings:  http://bradrosepoetry.com/audio-readings/