Issue 6: Chad Haskins

by Paula Lietz

Credit Score

700

We moved into our new house today.

I am the luckiest woman in the world.

I am married to the most wonderful man.

I can’t wait to decorate the baby’s room!

750

My husband got a promotion!

The baby is sleeping through the night.

We got a new car; it drives great!

My husband brought me flowers yesterday

for no reason.

675

His hours got cut.

We are behind on the mortgage.

We fight a lot.

He forgot my birthday.

550

Our baby got sick.

They took our house and car.

He hit me.

425

My ex-husband is gone.

The police are still looking for him.

My baby is doing better.

Me… not so much.

475

I am working part-time.

I don’t know if I will ever be

able to live outside my mother's house.

I love my mom,

but I HATE being back here!

I am too scared to start dating again.

I can’t sleep.

I look into my daughter’s eyes

and press on.

Chad Haskins lives in Newnan, Georgia with his wife and two sons. Chad's poems appear in Rose and Thorn Journal, Blue Collar Review, and a forthcoming issue of The 5-2: Crime Poetry Weekly, and Powder Burn Flash.

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