by L. Lois I just want a friendwho’s smartvalues readingwrites a bitknows good from badwith common sense woman or man or in-betweenpreferably close enoughto walknot afraid of timelingeringdear judgment that fliesbetween equalslove dripping fromgoodbyesnever a questionof cutting off laughter at absurditytears at beautyholding spacefor each othernever wholealways present About the Author: L. Lois lives in…
Category: 2024
Wrong
by Sean McFadden Trigger warning:This story contains mental health issues including suicidal ideation. If you are struggling, please know you’re not alone. And help is available. Just reach for it.In the US, call or text 988, or visit https://988lifeline.orgIn the UK, call 0800 689 5652 or visit https://www.spuk.org.uk/national-suicide-prevention-helpline-uk Nolan took the Doran Plaza elevator to…
The Top Drawer
by Peter Conrad Everything I thought I knew has changed: the coal mine is closing, and today is the last for Rob. He is laid off permanently. We are getting a good price for the house as a part of the settlement. We must be out in a month. It’s too fast, I am still…
Balloons
by Erin Jamieson When I think of my dad, I always return to the image of a single purple balloon, violently shaking in the wind. A balloon from my sixth birthday, days after a bad infection that kept me in bed for a week, with a winking face and bulbous sharpie eyes. Having an NG…
Cabbage
by Tommy Vollman I was feeding short-hops to Harrison Bruce when four clubbies clattered out of the home-team tunnel and set a few massive, metal buckets along the dugout wall farthest from the bat rack. “What are those for?” Harrison asked, his brow furrowed, face all screwed up. He and I stood just in front…
Honey suckle
by Zoiey Mull Breast-fed baby on a stone like a fairy,I’m home in the honeysuckle climbing up the terrace. Sweet warm wind, tiny sulfuric apples,closing my eyes to take in the gospel. The tree grew taller. We’re short as Mary.Cut is her pine and the truck neighbor’s maple. The rock looks eroded, no flowers or…