Ralph Palmieri

He Must Tell A Story He Never Can

It started on a Friday. Heavy, fibrous debris pouring from overcast skies. It looked like ash against the fluorescent glow of undercloud. But when it crossed the horizon, the darker background of trees and buildings revealed its true identity and color. Snow, white as the sky. It kept on until Sunday, covering everything, exaggerating every tree branch and fencepost. Then the sun cut through, bringing the temperature above freezing and the people from their homes. A couple walking in the park called the station to report something resembling a body uncovered by the melting snow.