Some time ago I was forwarded a copy of the Spring issue of A Capella Zoo, a "literary magazine of magical realist and experimental works". There are few things in life I enjoy more than a good short story and this one is certainly full of all sorts of interesting ones. One standout for me was "Automat: An Interpretation" by Francis DiClemente, which is presented as a dramatic piece. It's a rather romantic view of Edward Hopper's Automat. I had never even seen the painting before reading the story and quickly looked it up - exactly as DiClemente portrays it in the story. It's a love story (after a fashion) but mostly just something strange and different and also - delightfully - set in a museum.

There are quite a few stories of note in the issue, including "When the Weather Changes You" from Amber Sparks; a story that manages to be both a look at family history and also a bit of a climate change cautionary tale and "The Cloud Killer" by Jennifer Koe which is about killing clouds. (You expected that, didn't you?)

But more about Automat. I love the whole idea of automats. I know Doris Day had many pictures that were better than That Touch of Mink (With Six You Get Eggroll is a favorite of mine because I'm a sucker for Brian Keith & Day together) but the scenes in the automat make it one that I can't resist. Reading DiClemente's story gave me a melancholic view of the setting though, something I hadn't thought about. But all those single "shop girls" stopping in for lunch or after work does make it a place rife with lovelorn possibilities. Hopper certainly caught that with his painting and it makes the play work as well. (I honestly don't often enjoy reading drama as a story but this one is short and sweet and easy on the eyes.)

Do check out A Cappella Zoo, some very interesting writing well worth your time.