Another Stifling Night

Ulia Trylowsky

August 13, 2023

Past endless dinner conversation that ends abruptly, 

long after her last glass of wine, she opens the door 

to a gust of hot air, smelling of sickly sweet flowers 

in overgrown grass.

Why is it so damned stifling?

He talks of celestial events, wants her to join him, to look 

up at the sky. He thinks it’s romantic. She strains her neck;

sweat runs down her back. Who cares about stars and moons 

and cosmic dust?

Why is it so damned stifling?

In bed, she listens to the rattle of the fan. She thinks, 

“We need more air.” He moves closer, but she retreats 

from the touch. Blame it on the warming of the planet,

but then again – it’s been like this.

Why is it so damned stifling?

Ulia Trylowsky is a transplanted Ukrainian-Canadian who has lived in Southeast Texas for over 25 years.  While she struggled to accustom herself to the unique qualities of the region, she now calls it home and, until the war in Ukraine, found herself to be quite a happy person.