Julia Ciesla Hanley

Moving Shadows (excerpt)

Her face was illuminated by the false light of a moving image on the screen.  Rows of shadows and silhouettes in seats were motionless until scenes flashed by. She sat, a paper cut-out against the black. A figure floated down the aisle, sliding soundlessly into a seat next to her. She didn’t turn. Scenes swirled from the projector through dust particles until smacking against and flooding the thin white fabric. The seam of her pants pressed against the rough material of his jeans as their legs leaned in. The muted warmth of her shoulder under her coat found support on his arm. She breathed.

This piece was inspired while watching “I’m Not There” at the Reg Lenna Civic Center and watching people sit down after the theatre had gone dark.