Definitions by Monkey's Dad

slim-dunk 

Putting a brave face on a move with only a slight chance of succeeding.

At this moment, getting the job was a slim-dunk, but maybe self-confidence would help.

slim-dunk by Monkey's Dad March 24, 2020

flattering the curve

A presidential projection, meant to flatter himself while flattening the curve, without basis in medical fact.

With his Sharpie he drew a limp line, flattering the curve of new infections.

flattering the curve by Monkey's Dad March 24, 2020

exploded personal space 

A newly-expanded distance between oneself and another person, which we yearn to have violated and honored at the same time.

Her exploded personal space had gone from a few inches to the government-mandated six-foot radius and it felt like an invisible prison cell.

exploded personal space by Monkey's Dad March 23, 2020

invisible prison cell 

The six-foot radius meant to prevent coronavirus transmission.

He felt it as portable solitary confinement, like carrying around an invisible prison cell.

invisible prison cell by Monkey's Dad March 23, 2020

Urban Legend

In the near future, a fantastical story told by parents to children of what the word 'city' meant.

They sat at six-foot intervals to hear their favorite Urban Legend. They knew it was not real, yet it entertained them to imagine people walking the streets, crowding together to eat and drink and listen to music, where 'school' was a building kids went to, together.

Urban Legend by Monkey's Dad March 23, 2020

the city that never stirs

New York in the grip of the pandemic

Silent and empty, The City That Never Sleeps had swiftly become The City That Never Stirs.

the city that never stirs by Monkey's Dad March 22, 2020

humility

Human utility. A lack of arrogance and entitlement.

Who we were on the planet, and who we might become if we survived, was a question best faced with humility. Maybe our purpose was to serve other life, the animals and the trees, and to let go the notion that the earth and its creatures exist to serve humanity.

humility by Monkey's Dad March 22, 2020