By Jill Smith “Sorry I’m late,” Gwen said as she kissed Charlie and dropped her work bag inside his apartment door. “You are perfectly on time,” Charlie said. Gwen dashed into the bathroom, smoothed her hair, and pinched her cheeks to get a little color in them. Note to self: bring a makeup bag to … Continue reading The Pin
Bats: An Upware Fable
By Andy Cogan The bats, that had hibernated all winter, behind a hole in the fascia, under the eaves, above buttressed brick wall of the Old School House in Upware, emerged in the early spring to a strange world that was silent. Silent when they rested during the heat of the day. Silent when they … Continue reading Bats: An Upware Fable
The Fire
By Erni-Szakács Szilárd The Smith family was an ordinary one, living near the city center of Glasgow. John Smith, the head of the family, worked as a doctor at the local hospital. Due to his expertise and dedication, many respected him, as he saved numerous lives. His wife, Anne Smith, worked as a geography teacher … Continue reading The Fire
Evening on the Porch
By Eolas Pellor Brody was sitting on the swing, looking out at the Moon rising. He could feel in his joints that it was going to be a dewy night. Behind him the screen door opened and closed, quietly. He smiled; Charlie was the only person he knew who closed screen doors carefully. “How are … Continue reading Evening on the Porch
Update to the September Autumn Contest
We just wanted to give a quick update about this month's contest. Because we only received poetry submissions, there will be three Poetry co-winners for this month. We will announce the co-winners soon. ~The Editors
Training of the Guard
By Zachary Reger The inaugural journey of the Capitol Express met with resounding success. Passengers young and old, of high class and low, flocked to travel by train. The newly efficient route—with a faster engine and fewer stoppages—cut nearly three-quarters of an hour from the intercity trek. A solid foundation laid, the future of the … Continue reading Training of the Guard
Joy
By Hossein Hakim Joy is like a kind bird, takes me to places I likenear a river with trout, a forest with animals ora beautiful waterfallJoy makes me happy that I am alive, can seethe dance of butterfliesjoy can take me to the places nearby or to thesky near the cloudsJoy enables me to love, … Continue reading Joy
A Dead March for a Funeral
By Mike DC Current The procession came through todayIt’s black and white and red all overThey said you looked amazingBut I just couldn’t lookNo, I couldn’t lookMe all in black, you all in whiteFeel as lucky as a two-leaf cloverAnd the clouds are telling meI should have stayed in bedBut my bed is dreadLaid down, … Continue reading A Dead March for a Funeral
river red gums
By James Aitchison grey sentinelsrising from forgotten creek bedsspreading lovetwisted rootstussling the rockholding storiesremembering old stormspraying water will againthis way come James Aitchison is an Australian author and poet, whose work has appeared in Australian Poetry, Quadrant, Aesthetica Review (UK), Poetry for Mental Health (UK), Stray Branch, Literary Yard, Black Poppy Review, and many more. … Continue reading river red gums
A Rhyme about Summertime
By Alex Andy Phuong Comparing a fair maidenTo a glorious summer dayCan complement a complimentIn a very beautiful way,And offering praiseAnd admiration Can definitely raiseAnd improveWhile inspiringOthers to move,And while living underneath A celestial sphere,There could be timeTo make the mostOut of summertime,And dare to do so much moreThan simply compare,And demonstrate the willingness To … Continue reading A Rhyme about Summertime
Academy of the Heart And Mind 