Fourth of July | Matthew Schultz

We huddled shoulder-to-shoulder with our necks bent toward the asphalt opposite the drainage ditch at the end of our drive. Dad had flicked open a bronze-colored lighter and set the flame against a small, black tablet. Everyone jumped backwards as the Pharaoh’s Serpent burst forth from beneath the road. All of us except for Dad who stood his ground smiling at the writhing, black snake.

Matthew Schultz teaches creative writing at Vassar College. He is the author of two novels: On Coventry and We, The Wanted. His chapbook is forthcoming from ELJ Editions in May 2022. @eireprof