'How I live now the demons have gone' by Sharon Telfer

When I was twelve, I took up with a poltergeist. We hurled chairs, slammed doors, smashed bottles to glitter, Catherine-wheeled to the ceiling. We chanted like harmonic toads. My parents called a priest who held me down with cold, carbolic hands.

Now I work in a tower of glass. The doors slide open without sound. I walk one inch above the ground in sensible heels. I recite long numbers with my heavy tongue. Occasionally, I bring home lovers. Over their shoulders, I watch the ceiling fan circle, round and round and round.

 

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First published in NFFD NZ Flash Frontiers (June 2018).