Issue 6 – September 2026 – Tanka Prose 5


Just This Side of the Angels

My divorce lawyer said my husband itemized our home down to the tools. As though all of them must belong to him. But, inside a small green dented toolbox is a ball peen hammer from my family. The aged hickory handle worn smooth with only a faint touch of red. A hammer legal to carry even if you have a felony conviction. Because it was also used by a motorcycle mechanic to pound metal.

beware of my dog
finally breaking
his chain
these black thoughts
holding me at night

Joy Hallinan, USA




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