City of Roses
A serialized phantastick on the ten thousand things & the one true only.

Season One : Autumn into Winter

“Wake up…”
Prolegomenon
When the Phone rings – What is Needed – a Narrow Office – an Unwanted Promotion – Waiting, Watching – Again – What She Says is True – In Carcosa – Terms – “It’s late” – The Merits of a Quarrel – a Wicked Thing – Awakening – “An utter disaster” – an Unexpected Call – None of Her Concern – “What were you thinking?”
Fidessa
“July, July!” – Ganesa’s Smile – Portland, Divided into Four Fifths – Brazilian Beer, Thai Noodles – Shooting the Moon – Light from Fluorescent Ceiling Panels – a Dusty Hollow – Going Home – What is so Dangerous – “Chickie chickie?” – Scattering the Hounds – Unexpected Violence – Sanctuary – The Music’s Loud – as Gentlemen Settle – the Second Thrust – the Nighttime City, Filled with Light – Fareless
Zoobombing
One of the Club’s Private Dining Rooms – Getting Cute – “You don’t have to be any good at it” – This is Not a Sales Call – Hopeless Paperwork – Ysabel Triumphantly – the Changing of the Guard – Now and Here – a Mound of Bicycles – “Le Trash Blanc?” – Not her man – Something, Anything, It – Very simple questions – Whipped Cream – Like most people – Zoobombing – This Ray guy – Marfisa in the Hall – What he wants to Hear
a-Hunting
Five hundred bucks – the Thing in the Shadows – a Half-dozen T-shirts, most of them black – Formal dress – Some qualities of Vengeance – Every felicitation – the Lights above – Leaning green – Glad Wide Jars – What happened, What didn’t – “Puertas a mi izquierda” – We Revellers – the Duke’s ecstatic – Her choice – Down by the Ice Rink – a Side-bet – a Roomful of Gentry – Her honor – the Very Air – They march – the Conquering Hero
Freeway
The Printer spits – It’s covered – a Scale of One to Ten – the Half-full Glass – Dog-catchers – Hanging up – “Could you maybe describe” – the whole Five Hundred – Room to Clap – No Duty Bound – Lighting a cigarette – Life and Limb – an even Half Dozen – Those teeth – “Eleleu!” – Backlash – before the End – Clip-Clop-Clip – “Leo, honey”
Anvil
Just a little She smiles – Spilled milk – “Who are the three lions?” – a Mild and Temperate Knight – Her hair – Exaltation – What he said – the Blue umbrella – the Three Acorns – Roly-poly Gang Bang – “Just let it ring” – Her promise – Becker runs his hand – an Invitation – Her Haircut – that Mild and Temperate Knight – “Of course!” says Ysabel – Unbuttoning – at Her table – Happy Birthday – Sitting on the Banks of the Sea
Gin-soaked
Two fingers of Bourbon – “Me People” – a Big Man straining – What she Owes – Four Simple Lessons – A shell of Glossy White – a Frank and Open Exchange – Rabbits in their Den – “Turn up there” – such steep Freight – the Pinch of the Times – one Hell of a shiner – the Doors kicked Open – Sidney rests – maybe Blue – a Dispute over Loss – Dirty Laundry
Beauty
“Let’s do it in one” – His madly jerking Eyes – a Venti Vanilla Latte – a Five-dollar Bill – a (brief) Disquisition on Love – On her back on the bed in the dark – Getting Ready – Speaking Precisely – Twenty-eight thirty – the Refrigerator Light – “Draw your sword” – One Long Swallow – Something’s Up – Laughing she Opens the Door – Not even breathing – Something Sharp – “Hold out your hand” – Awake, she
Giust
Marfisa falls – Just two Blocks away – He’s stepping out – a Boon – his Treat – something Wet & Ruined – Raw Green Peas – three Questions only – “Subparagraphs and shit” – Tarnish – an Indecisive Cream – a Change of Clothes – one Hell of a Cue – the Sound & the Light – Bare branches, Dead leaves – Sorry We’re Closed – a Chivalrous thing – when We are Queen – “What were you thinking?”
Surveilling
Whistling tunelessly – up that Hill – Sunlight softly – almost a Vacation – Fennel & Sorghum – Everything in their Power – Three men standing – not any Courtesy – His filthy Mind – What the Lord requires – Groaning the Shape – Tête-à-tête – “Your reason for leaving?” – Marking the Spot – Mr. Charlock sits – the Sword in the floor – Baker, Juliet, India – the Woman kneeling by the tub
Rounds
The light from the Television – what Time it is – “Is it the money?” – What they’re getting – little more than a Closet – Why he’s doing it – Mademoiselle Juliette – “I am the house” – what the Starling does – Tits & Ass & Oh – “What I think is maybe” – Modern and more Equitable – the Strong Hand – on the Strand – Unreservedly – rounding a Corner – Next Thursday – no Hullabaloo – to have gone Dancing – like Bubbles – “Sir? Sir?”
The Dazzle of Day
Innocency
A small room – Where else, What else – Crouching naked – Mr. Keightlinger refuses – “I don’t know how much longer it’ll hold” – Jasmine refuses – a Jump; a Landing – When the Alarm Clock buzzes – How it is – What she Shouldn’t have done – the wrong damn Hatch – Tinny music – a Knife in the Back – One goes alone – Filled to the Brim with Girlish Glee – How it Should be – “Where are they?” – White Feathers in Her hair
Changel
a Beautiful guitar, and Extravagant – “You cut your hair!” – Who were Those Guys? – the Rain beneath her – what It (he) did – Pushing a Dead lawnmower – a sound Sleeper – Cabbages & Stork – “Such a nothing time” – Drawing the Circle – What’s left Behind – a Coat to a Cobbler – that Stern and Rough-hewn Hawk – Egg whites & Eschatology – Sky falls; Mountains crumble – three Answers – a screwed-up Twist of Paper
Mayhem
“You said you were going to kill me” – a Pointless rendezvous – Jo removes her Jacket – two whole Days – He’s in – George’s, it says – Tea & Peppers – something Pretty Special – a Taste – an Apple, peeled and cored – Talking Shop – thwarting Mr. Sogge – the Rose Garden – a Long and Narrow flight of Stairs – the Duel on the Bridge – One of her Many Names – If – the Sound of Bottles, clinking
Frail
Standing there – an Offer is Made – one Eye brown, one Eye blue – Hand held High – his Reward – not a Mark – a Seamless Sky – her Packing’s done – a Season’s worth – Dour men in Rich Black suits – a Heavy limping step – “Gentlemen!”– Change & Tradition – Intent – a Fine enough Distinction – “Leo, dammit” – Getting Ready – with All her Heart – Muffled voices
Plenty
4:59 becomes 5:00 – Donuts & Leftovers – “I have told Your Grace” – a Most dangerous opponent – He’ll come – North it is – “Yeah, so, anyway” – the Nine varieties – “press Seven to delete” – Tripping over Something in the Dark – Hers also – in the Foyer – he’s Washed dishes – old John Barleycorn – “Laugh, Luff, Love” – Neither of them, or Both – an Other word – his Weaknesses – a Bit of leather
Deliverance
a Sharp pop – how Sharper then – Naked he sits – no longer Blank – how to be Gallowglas – her Mother’s daughter – “You’re waiting for something” – the Opposite of hiding – Years, or a Couple of months – Stripped bare – Against the mirror – her Empty hands – “She isn’t here” – The light is thicker, now – her Brother’s things – Why – a Sound too big to hear – the House, full of Leaves
Dazzle
Water & Wine – Last Thursday – the Hat in his hands – the Niceties of Debt – her Business – his Messages – the Only light – what Needs doing – Summing up – into the Woods – “Remarkable, the likeness” – a Sudden spark – bright Lights & Lefse – the Long shot – the Fiendish little Basket-box – how Many planets, and how Large – her Geis – her Situation – “Yessir” – No sitting or sleeping in Front of the Windows – Snow
Moon
“From this position” – a House that looks Much Like the Others – Tango milonguero – What matters, and what Doesn’t – Respects – “Who did you say you were?” – any Rule – Investiture – Ecclesiastes, chapter 10 – Gently brush the Dust – so Small a life – how Different, he looks – “Is that it?” – Orange doors – “Every tool known to man” – Careful; Twilight; Knee – Dropping off – her Majesty’s smokes – Clank, and up
Sun
There is a Tree – Just two Blocks away – Swinging the Blade – half Eleven – what Had been planned – Sunlight, bright & clear – his First, his Second – his Particular end – the Least little Thing – a suit of Worsted Wool – he Is as he Does – the Girl in her Hand – Company – Sky Bridge, Theatre, Accessible Route – the Second sign, & the Third – “Look, behold” – Exit – Laughter, a Whoop of delight – Sunday morning
Gallowglas
a Screaming – Easing her Coat – stupid stupid stupid stupid – Prophecy – Salt for a Jaded palate – the Grey Man – Bad dreams – so Much, left out; so Much takes Shape – her Certainty – wrenched – “Do you see?” – Falling will fall, Fell – up and up and up – Stepping into Jockey shorts – the Wedding garment – not the Gun – this time, Maybe this time – falling – if Even this
Maiestie
When the Phone sings – up, and Always up – Water, crashing – Wednesday morning – Jo, unexpected – The stuff in the Bucket – a Surprise – the Men about the City – how Things are Done – “I will,” says Ysabel – the Last he has – How, and Why – Jo, crumpled – God buy you – Kissing, and Kissing again – no Promise broken – Blood; Sweat; Tears – “My people!”

Season Two : Spring; Summer

In the Reign of Good Queen Dick
the thin ice
she said Yes – tomorrow, tonight – with his own Hands – a Hatful – Obligations of the Court – putting it Back – “Yes,” she says – how Much is Enough – Welund, Rhythidd, Barlowe & Lackland – a real Mad-on – the Rattle of Keys – confusing, the Two of them – her Reason – “Enough to get you into trouble” – “The least little thing” – an Apportionment – her Case – Ebb-Tide, Cinnamon Twist, All-American Girl – Fénius – Unlocking the door – whatever she Wants
vilissima et infima
the Sunglasses on the dresser – Moving up – a shining Silver egg – settling Accounts – a Simple adjuration – Berlin – “Hippy-dippy foodie crap” – at Least, the money – the Bad Old Days – a Four-digit code – Time a Do – Hearing, Listening – the Tunnel – a Powder-blue Town car – “One does not eat monsters” – something Romantic – how He did get in – a Running shoe, blue & brown
two sweetest passions
Slouching through the Door – a Scum of whited sugar – Monte Carlo – the Ell-word, the Jay-word – Crisp little tents – “My sister” – Third Annual – Light; Hope; Truth – the Chords of Tom and Gary – Level A, Furniture – the warmth of March – what’s In the Envelope – the Nearest book – “You’re it; That’s all” – what’s On the Radio – an Audience – some God-damned fools – there was a Gate – White towers
only borders lie
the Two ways This might go – “Does it hurt?” – before the Sun – her Grace; his Lady – Back-slaps & Glad-hands – the Candidates – A black Duffel, dragged – Three out of Five – with Her in the room – not King nor Court – across the Lot – what Needs must – Duty – “Put that away – a Scream – unfinished Business – the Silhouette in the doorway – echoes
tends to crumble
the Blue room – Bottles & Cartons & Tubs & Boxes – “The first order of Business” – at This table – antique Punk bullshit – the Basics of Security – “Quite distressing” – well as She might – taking Any hand – Something falls – Eyelids a-Twitch – Played again – How she Might hear – “The hell with the milk” – the Question mark – la Différance – Laissez-majesté – what She might Ask – Boom & Bang & Rattle & Crash
Hands of an Angry
those Wicked Talons – an Average Foot – Harsh Light on Steel – it Should be Looked at – Perquisites – “Just hope it’s enough” – what One does – Six of them – Milo, Dub, Jonesy & Goose – a Capital suggestion – no Shout, no Cry, not a Word – Who He is – 20 or 30 floors Below – “Is that a good thing?” – something Nice – Dust & Darkness – at This hour – a Handful of City – 20 Fucking minutes – the Jingle of the Bell
shiver & headache
the Photographs on the Table – bright white Lines – Machismo – “Darling Mr. Davies” – What’s at Stake – a Blessing, and a Curse – Hand in Hand – two Storeys, or three – how it Works – Commitment – the What of the Bandit – “Take care” – the Safety of the Space – this is Their plan – Gloved in pinkened Mail – a Kept eye – Asymmetry – the Hat in his Hand
on pretending that
the Locomotive – majestic Generosity – Becker’s eyes – a Simple plan – spruce, mahogany, Iron & pine – what Nobody said – the Likes of them – “Oh” – how Does she Ever – blood & water, Lilies, glass – the Point of dreams – the Garbage Bag – the Towers, the Hills, the Sun – not yet a Dozen – Her sword – the Riches of the City – Peabo’s leaf spring – “It’s all good” – the Alarm clock
marble sends regards
The body                                                The water               
                         
The sun        
                                      
The air                                                  Those teeth              
                         
The light                          
only to sit
Crash! – “He’s awake” – Breakfast – 3 Questions – 1510 – what She has Done – where He Might Be – a Palate’s purpose – “Good lord” – the Water’s depth – the Offer on the table – to Have or to Eat – “Everyone is welcome!” – a Knock – happening at Once – She sits – what has Been Lost – All is Well
carnival was ringing
“On a scale of one to ten” – entirely too Sweet – a Jagged crack – the Man in the Chair – as she Passes – a Rasher of Bacon – Rip City! – Eatum-Rite & the Duckwall Bros. – the Color it was – Stockings, red and black – cooling Their heels – a timorous Glaive – the Question – the Color it is – Pounding, pounding – non sum qualis eram – thrice Setebos – the Gold, the Gold – “Come and get it”
or Betty Martin
up and stand
brightly Shining sun – uncertain Laughter – the Colors of the Hound – what happened Next – a Stifled shriek – that First sob – rolling Over under Untucked sheets – Hands – Bourbon & Blueberry – “Hunt what?” – Compromise – Southerly, for Korea – two Swords, side-by-side – Disappointment – another World – kept Safe – what Makes it Tick – a House that looks Much Like the Others – Everything to Lose
many Christian eyes
the Lights are Out; the Curtains drawn – Order 722 – what Becker hasn’t done – those Scrawny arms – the Semblance of a Hound – Up under; high Beneath – 157,185 SF – a Delicate clink – “Welcome back” – Jack’s dog – the Fly, the Fly – Less than a two-Point-five – East Multnomah Soil & Water – duty – Ward, or Sigil? – Select Passenger – Beautiful Mountain – the Last of the International Harvesters – “Sorry about the burrito” – the VERN – east of Everything – the Lights are Out, the Curtains Drawn
so powerfully strong
North Leonard Street – Back up the Hall – the Lights about the Mirror – a Tied game – the Avant-garde – a Joyous yawp – “So you’re, like, dead” – the Sound of His name – Eddie frets – twice Italian – not One, but Six – Everybody – why They are there – the Future, and the Past – thus, the News – the Light is changing – from Lip to Lip – the Cachet of Cardboard – öt Puttonyos – “What time is it?” – a Shining detritus
and thirsty wilds
“It all depends” – the import of Breakfast – Trinkets & Fallalery – the Work resumed – Looping the Pin – where It’s going – Jumble & Clink – a Lug’s business – a Bootlegger’s reverse – the Gall they have – “Oh, it’s you” – there’d be a Lawn – the Coordination of Intimacy – Bright Lines – the Shoe in Her hand – Kaffeeklatsch – Far be it – delicate Matters – “Force & Victory!” – You will be Warned
Ekumen ain’t everything
the Toilet – νεῶν κατάλογος – Mirepoix – Girls Rule – a Cheap plank, in a Variety of styles – the Fate of camellias – mercy, my Lord – “Somebody’s coming” – fixing His tie – the Sources of water – “Welcome!” – the Gleaming poignard – every Time – Indigo, Fuchsia, Apricot – the Slogan – a Lonesome banjo – no, She didn’t – Pinkish-orange light – Mr. Loudermilk
Beautiful, we are
the Charred ring – Spilt wine – a Forest of Tattoos – what She could reach – for all to See, and anyone to Take – Rapprocher – a Folder not Terribly thick – Motorvation – lush white Shag – “Mine is the Hand!” – salt & iron, and the Heat – a Brutalist landmark – This is how – “You know, you know” – Exfiltration – a Failure of simile – this Copper tub – her Majesty
dirty white noise
the Officer in black – toward Clarity – a Hightop, Fire-engine Red – how to Help – deal Sealed – nor Yet the Butcher’s son – what he Might do – first, a Box – what They got wrong – the Stoney strand, the Salty sea – what’s Known, what’s Not – Rubber strikes Glass – Spit & Image – potted Cliffs – transactional Analysis – a Half-dozen Dream-catchers – how He’ll do It – the Only Mortal here – already Unlocked – a Disagreement – the Last chord
arms-legs-heaven
the Table, long – the Underwear first – the Rest of them – the Filthy kitchen – eight & eight & eight Again – agile saffron color glass – Hands on a Bare hip – not Now – how to Get noticed – the Newis spread – Early, Dim, & Sodden – what She would have said – the Photos on the Mantel – under the Lights – no Small accomplishment – the Letters on the wall – her Question – trouble with the Truck – P. interrogationis
sun, dust, shadow
“We’re closed” – four Golden cards – Cinnamon, Auburn, Chestnut & Wenge – not a Game – Tableau – Thundering bootheels – who They’re looking for – Sweetwater; Springwater – why She came – a Rondel of Teeth – a history of Vanport – a word with Gordon – a Reason – Silently, & with Great care – enough – what her Majesty requires – so Uncertainly keen; such Delicate anguish – “Only what you need!”
the Five Points
clattering Buttons – an Apron of dirt – into the Grotto – don’t Ask – the Splintered wrack Below – administrative Matters – Hippocrepis comosa – Rabbit stew – Notice: Illegal Campsite – Breaking fast – coffee, Hot – a Moment passes – again, Sunset – preparing his Doses – number Ten – what Kind of Ghost – the Sound of water Falling – where She is, and what She is to Do
That was the river
Side by Side – after the Hunt – Everything – an Empty Paper cup – Executrix – a Terrible mess – Dancing in the street – all That’s left – the Talent portion – Papier-mâché – TYler 4-0180 Roughly shaggy Woolen grey – YOU WILL DISPERSE – what Has become, what Will become – cooling Heels – eyes Jerked open – “She’s fine” – aisles of Pillars – down the Line – next exit

Season Three : Summer

The Greene Chapel
June 23rd
the Stuff in the Bucket– Happy Hour– 27 Rooms– the Color– Ladies; Gentlemen; Otherwise– Billy Breaks– her Count– Take it off– the Word for Words– fun– a Tactical grip– “The heck is that”– (some of) the Contents of a Box– his Language– June 23rd– the One with the Lions– why the Ocean– “I can stay the night”– a Bit of money– perfectly Safe– Out from Under
June 29th
this Weird light – the Clutter all about – Dark, but not Silent – all 87 Episodes – telling the Wolf – a Phone call to Darfur – One Zero Aught Naught – the Stuff she’s put – Interstitials, or whatever – $!YFX – “Hurry up, it’s time!” – June 29th – Good and Vital, even Necessary – the Setting sun – what She is owed – January cabbage – iterative Implications – McGee – the Color of the clutter – the Humor to be found, in Names
Eleleu Ie
June 24th
the People versus Ysabel Perry – a Question of identity – 150 Feet – Up with a Hoarse shout – not his Rule – Meat on the table – the Limits of Logistics – as She left it – pale thick Lips – the Flow of Ideas – the Point of Ess Eff – the Throne – Stakes – Read You Mutt – June 24th— her Address – “Closed” — a Sour heart – Props
July 1st
Almost dissolved – Three yellow Excavators – a Chalice of smoked glass – till Friday – “Have you seen the columns?” – the Gold in the Sack in his Hand – too Savvy, too Proper, too Good – Kibbet batata – the First appearance – “What time is it?” – Both, or Either – Condolences – her Business – no More –

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