Day 258 of Current Days: Not Today.
In the morning let us pray —
Dear Anthrax, not today.
I put on nylon gloves and unpack a massive bundle that has been lingering in the corners of our bathroom for nearly a year now. It would be a shame to throw such a gift away, but until now, I lacked the strength to do anything with it. This moment, its time has come.
Chlorine, caustic soda, and vinegar are already standing by. They jostle each other, each wanting the honor of going first. Calm down; each of you will have your moment.
I transfer the contents into a plastic container. The container is large, but the skull barely fits diagonally. It is truly enormous. Much larger than a deer’s. It’s missing its nose, true, but that doesn’t matter. For a find, it is in remarkably good condition. Aside from the moss.
The skull looks more like a piece of wood than bone. Dirty, encrusted. This will take me a while.
I should scrub it, but I am too disgusted. Carefully, I cover it with detergents and pour in water. In the spots where the soda landed, brighter patches form instantly. There is hope. However, there is no question of me picking at it until it has soaked thoroughly in chemicals. Take a bath, then we’ll talk. The chlorine stings deep in my nasal cavity. I try not to breathe over the container, still pouring water over the bone.
Morning Prayer, 15×20 cm Mixed Media, III 2026
anthracite