About the Author

by Tobi Alfier

She has never been arrested.

No mug shots, fingerprints,

appearances in court.

She has never shot

another living being

despite the Junior Small-bore

Marksman medal. She has exploded

many cans of shaken-up

haircolor, many bottles,

and many targets—no blood,

or bodily fluids,

no police statements taken.

She has never played a reed instrument,

never played in an orchestra,

never the music of Frampton, or Phantom,

and she has never used a bidet

except to wash her feet

and keep beer cold.

She has seen the sun rise,

and seen it set, in many countries—

alone, with lovers and loves.

Scaled the steps at Meteora,

lit candles in multiple churches,

rang the bell atop many climbing walls,

skied black diamonds,

worn real diamonds,

knows Tiffany blue in her sleep…

And she races toward you

like a ribbon untied,

running barefoot

with a jar of fireflies.

Your home is with her

just around the next corner

as somewhere, dawn breaks,

a fire grazes,

and wants to name itself wild.

* * * * *

"About the Author" is from the author's collection “Slices of Alice & Other Character Studies” (Cholla Needles Press).

Tobi Alfier is a multiple Pushcart nominee and multiple Best of the Net nominee. “Slices of Alice & Other Character Studies” was published by Cholla Needles Press. “Symmetry: earth and sky” was just published by Main Street Rag. She is co-editor of San Pedro River Review (www.bluehorsepress.com).