We climb over the levee and down into the hot shade near the river.

Dad stops suddenly. Ahead of us an owl is stretched, crucified, between two tree trunks, nailed by the wings, the wingspan at least six feet, and used for target practice.

RIVER BOTTOM BY LYRA HALPRIN

34THPARALLEL MAGAZINE ISSUE 72  ❦ 34THPARALLEL.NET