Ross Raymond Nunamaker

I hadn’t previously read Sticks by George Saunders. It is highly regarded as a masterwork of flash fiction at less than 400 words utilizing symbolism, a life arc, or two, domestic angst, and a range of emotions.

It is written in two paragraphs, both having a front yard pole or cross as a focal point that is decorated and adorned seasonally by the father until his death. The first a child’s perspective of dad growing up and the second as an adult. The final part is post death when the home is sold and new owners put the post to rest at the curb unceremoniously as garbage to be hauled away.

It does a lot of work and shows what can be done with a few words.

It is done well as it comes across as easy to read and simple, yet is vivid, detailed, and contains a lot to consider.