Breath & Shadow
August 2026 - Vol. 23, Issue 4
"Mahjong"
written by
Rochelle Anderson
Dreamt again of Monday Night Book Club.
It had quickly become two hours
anticipated monthly.
However, people are bothersome
with chit-chat and gossip. The books chosen
were a palimpsest of best sellers.
Online, must be in family room
on a hard, uncomfortable wooden chair.
Yet another story about a cute,
brilliant grandchild.
I could not be part of this group
any longer, so explored options.
Only one left—Quit!
Now is the time to read my selection,
in a cozy bedroom, snuggled in a blanket,
The Shining, by Stephen King.
I informed Deb, who first invited me
to the club, of my decision. She
hung up and refused to talk. The book
discussions had glued the crew together.
Relational amnesia angers me.
Deb was close for 50 years.
A true Minnesotan always
avoids conflict, so friendship is over.
Soon, I missed companionship.
Tried bowling, bingo and yoga,
but finally found joy playing Mahjong.
Rochelle M. Anderson had a severe stroke in 2007 and almost died. She is still disabled with difficulty walking; and because of aphasia struggles with reading and writing. Ms. Anderson loves creating seed art, her grandchildren and Lake Superior. Rochelle has been published in several chapbooks and poetry journals. She published her first book, Stormy Road: Reawakening from Stroke and Aphasia, in 2026. Writing poetry has helped her recover; and dictation fuels her words.