The dependable friend Who is always near Offering a hug or a smile A compassionate ear The dependable friend To whom you turn With a sadness or joy With good news or concern The dependable friend, Planned celebrations For weddings and babies School graduations Your dependable friend One day on the phone “These months have been rough, I feel all alone… […]
Scout Days, a story by Willow Sanders
The parking lot of St. Mary’s had been a stream of trucks since first period. Fascinated, we watched as the home of the St. Mary’s Scouts football field transformed into a temporary residence for The Zipper, The Tilt-O-Whirl, and Funnel Cakes Sold Here! I burst into my house, penny loafers kicked off mid–stride. The scuff that marred the wall- ignored. Blue plaid wool skirt and […]
Had this been fiction, a story by Ana Koulouris
If this had been fiction, there would have been somebody to burst around the corner in the nick of time, makeshift weapons flying to slay the reanimated corpse closing in on him. The task accomplished, the stranger would glare down at him where he lay on the ground and offer a gruff hand up. This person would then scold him for being out there alone […]
The Sin Tree, by Keshia L. Nowden
I was reading about the seven deadly sins the other day. I’m not sure why. Maybe I’ve been devouring them all my life, spitting them out like seeds, Planting them one by one. Lust was the first seed, the easiest one to plant, in my loins and my head. There’s a guy I’ve had my eye on for the last five years. Man the things […]
The Employment Offer, a story by Todd Hogan
Nicholas didn’t know how long his father had been waiting for him to get his ass out of bed. The cabin’s view of the mountains and lake must have cost his father, or his corporation, more than Nicholas could make in the next five years. The sun was bright, and Nicholas blocked it with his hand until his eyes adjusted. A hawk corkscrewed high overhead, […]
All Smiles, a poem by Tanasha Martin
Through the dark swirl of bridges Each one a cyclone, Initial exploration, We boldly walk alone. Up ahead, a new dimension, Bright light at the end; Try to predict all the outcomes We never could comprehend. Crossed hundreds of doorways, Encountered inhabitants in other worlds. We’ve come as prepared as we can to Protect ourselves if chaos unfurls. Just as a light jasmine wind blows […]
We are folded, a story by Tim Yao
The universe rushes by me in vast steps. Eryl asked me to make myself small so I can ride in his pocket. Some surprise! Bored, I extend a thought tendril. “Becksy,” Eryl chides, gently snapping it away. “You promised not to peek.” I pretend not to listen. The vistas, which I see through the one opening he has left me, intrigue me: the hot turmoil […]
The Conversation, by Mary O’Brien Glatz
After a month away, the long flight from Kathmandu through Beijing had brought her backwards in time to Chicago. He picked her up at the airport. A brief hug marked their reunion. The acrid smell of booze seeped out into the air that filled the space between them. Her eyes caught his as if she were about to say something but instead considered it and […]
Living too Long – an Alphabetical Ranting, by Elaine Fisher
Aging is so inescapable until the final Breath gives back dignity and sets you free. Cruelness is independence lost, youth’s disappearance, and a forgotten memory. Diapers in the end as in the beginning, Early to bed, forever napping, Food mashed for easier swallowing, Gross flatulence, embarrassing, History collected, photos yellowing. Illness takes its toll on living… too long. […]
Living with Humans, a story by Stephanie Ewing
Day 1 There are no dogs in this warren, no biting autumn wind. I found a wire box filled with sweet dried grass far more delicious than the half-dead dandelions I scrounged outside. I think it will be better here. I live with three humans now. Though they don’t wield rolled-up newspapers like the ones who put me outside, these humans are very loud. Like […]
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