Issue 5 – June 2026 – Tanka Prose 1



The Dead Room

Just enough light to see that I’m in a dark room. Unfinished wood walls. No windows. No furniture. The door opens to a black hallway. I fear an endless corridor of open doors. Don’t ask how I know. Safe for now. But I can’t stay. I will be killed. If I leave, I will be killed. Quiet. Nothing stirs. Paralyzed. I wait to be killed.
 
              his footfalls                   
              tromping down the hall
              the house groans
              sleep spits me out
              and I know he’s safe


Jim Chessing, USA




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