ANXIOUS IN ALABAMA [Catie Hummer] (A lakeside view, but as you’re losing it) Everything and everyone can simply fuck right off. The sun beats down in absolute persistence, an aggravated assault. Deafening scents of fresh lilacs, and sunscreen, and fish poop, and algae gather as a ghost, triangulated to tease and titillate my tongue. God, the air is thick today, pressure threatening to pop me like a pimple. I’m gasping, my head out the window of a car going ninety… except I’m still on solid ground. Splashing sounds send me back toward the cedar trees, fresh-cut “grass” stabbing the bottoms of my bare feet. A bright, oversized shade waves me into its shelter. All I can think is how the straps of my royal blue bikini are scratchy, and I need it to stop itching, stop them digging into my shoulders. To outsiders, cypresses sway in a breeze; the sun is a welcome sight. I unhook the clasp of my bra and lie flat on my naked back. Focus. Breathe. I run my fingers across my microfiber towel, let my mind wander, imagine the hot pink color peeking from my arylide yellow umbrella. Strategically distanced from the water, I also imagine the beach entrance, timing my fanciful waves with the swish swish swish in my ears. Lavish powder sky trails the retreating storm clouds. See? That’s not so bad. Not so bad. PLAINS 10 paradox