The Good Child
By Nate Boesch
Getting Creative Amoskeag: The Journal of Southern New Hampshire University showcases poetry, essays, fiction and photography from contributors all over the U.S. The journal celebrated its 25th anniversary last spring. The Journal holds student writing contests for short fiction and poetry and publishes the winning entries. The following was the winning entry for short fiction. Please contact Editor Allison Cummings at a.cummings@snhu.edu to order Amoskeag: The Journal of Southern New Hampshire University.
8 | The Extra Mile | Fall 2008
John sat on the deck, surveying the countryside. He had built the deck on the back of the house for moments like these, moments that requested a somber, quiet atmosphere. From here he saw the rocky ridge at the base of the horizon protruding far into the skyline while casting a shadow down a long ways through the plain, which gradually transcended and became his yard. The clouds above were gray and sat suspended over his plot of land, refusing to yield to the surrounding blue. He never would of had a moment like this had he built the deck facing the road. He’d have to put up with the constant passing of neighbors offering queer, flick-wristed waves driving home, their SUVs spewing up dust as they passed. Thank God.