NIGHT BURIALBY

KEN SEIBERT

Premature

Happened too soon; before it was time“His idea had taken shape earlier that year when his American Lit. class had studied Poe’s short story, ‘The Premature Burial’ “

RIVULETS

a small stream; brook

“Sweat was running in rivulets, stinging his eyes and puddling up his ears.”

Depleted

use up, drain, reduce, consume, lessen

“The struggle depleted the air too quickly, and he started to black out.”

Mirage

illusion, phantom, fancy

“The tiny numerals danced and wavered like a red mirage.”

pauper

Poor person

“No one had been buried in the cemetery for years, she knew, so it must be some pauper’s grave dug on the sly.”

pathetic

Inadequate, sorrowful

“And what a pathetic flower holder,” she sighed.

isolation

the complete separation from others

“I want total isolation. It’s a very important part of the plan…”

Straightjackets

anything that severely confines, constricts, or hinders

“We need a couple of straightjackets.”

Preoccupied

Completely engrossed in thought; absorbed

“Before he had been too preoccupied with other thoughts.”

intervals

at particular periods of time

“Then he could check at intervals for any sounds.”