Articles written by Kat Apf

What is Helium

About me - Kat Apf

Hello!

I edit and publish a small poetry 'zine. (It's on hold right now due to low funds. Hope to see this change sometime very soon.) I'm also a poet and have had quite a few poems published in small 'zines and ezines.

I've been writing for Helium since January

+ more bio information

RSS Feed

Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Who I am: 2 of 364
I'm No Soccer MomI've never had any trouble envisioning myself as a freaky little flapper, beaded blue dress swaying and tinkling with each step, holding out a hand for a cup of strong bathtub gin. maybe doing the Charleston with a suited slick-haired male counterpart. I can see myself as a depression era farm wife in a thi... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Smiles: 1 of 81
Give me that secret smile, the one when your eyes begin the grin and the warmth of your love could turn to strong heat, at any moment. Let me know later, after the kids are in bed, you'll hold me gently and the kiss you give will turn the edges of the room to liquid. Give me that secret smile, the one that's reserved for our ... More..
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Tribute to my dad on Father's Day: 1 of 58
Everyone I know has a small, daily ritual they perform. My sister reads the bible every morning while drinking her coffee. My mother-in-law can't leave the house unless her bed is made perfectly. My husband can't sleep unless he has watched the news. I start thinking about my ritual before I've even gotten out of bed. I show... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Social Values & Norms 10 things you would like to say to a rude customer: 1 of 46
I've worked retail in six states. And I can tell you this, New Yorkers aren't the only rude people in the US. They are all over the country. They're rude in the Northeast, they're rude in the South and they're rude in the Southwest. Not all people are rude, of course, but the rude ones stick out in your memory.The number one ... More..
Relationships & Family > Marriage & Intimacy When open marriage goes wrong: 1 of 40
Open marriage goes wrong from the second the idea is put into motion. Both partners might think this is the thing that will save their marriage. They might believe it will put back a missing spark. But the fact of the matter is, that theory and practice are two very different things. In theory, an open marriage might wor... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: Friendship: 1 of 34
I met Nanette when she interviewed me for a job. I had seen the help-wanted sign in the bookstore window and went in, on impulse, to apply for the job. She hired me on the spot. It was such a whirlwind interview I truly forget most of what was said.She was shorter than I am. That's saying a lot. I'm five feet tall. Her hair w... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Social Values & Norms Judging others by size: 3 of 98
People judge other people all the time, whether it is on size or looks or wealth. Is it fair? No. Does it happen? Yes. Judging other people based on the outside stuff is far too common. All People are Judged- Often we hear about people being judged for being fat. But it works the other way, too. People who are short and thi... More..
Jobs & Careers > Office Politics What is the stupidest question a customer has asked you at work?: 1 of 27
I've spent my entire adult life working in one form of retail or another. Customer service jobs always seem to lead to some very stupid questions and actions. It seems people walk into stores and lose all their senses.Years ago, I worked in a bookstore, located next to a large department store. One day a woman came in and ask... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Parenthood Taking "mommy time" without feeling guilty: 3 of 73
Years ago, when my oldest was a baby and I was a first-time mommy, the idea of taking time out for myself was unthinkable. I really thought I was supposed to only think of her needs and never my own. My second child was born twenty-one months later. Then, I felt I had to put two other people's needs before my own. Throw my hu... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Distance: 1 of 23
She had wiry blond hairand a wide, almost-always smilingmouth and light blue eyes.We drove Miss Schnell crazy,trading shoesafter Eurythmy class-hers floating around my feet,mine squeezing a funny look onto her face.Her shockingly hippie parentsmade my mom's lips disappearwhen they picked Clair upfrom my sixth birthday party.S... More..