By Andrew Nickerson The lecture hall of Meade Academy of Magic buzzed with anticipation as students settled behind the room’s many layered desks. As the smells of various cafeteria lunch/drink specials floated all around, merging with the antiquated orders of wood and stone, everyone anxiously awaited the arrival of their special guest: Professor G. Griffin, … Continue reading Griffin’s Lecture
The Puma That She Met One Day
By Frances Gaudiano Lucy was standing at the edge of the field. It hadn’t been tilled recently and there was still stalks of growth left from previous years, dry and battered in the morning breeze. She began to walk along a narrow footpath between the weeds. After a bit, she felt a presence behind her … Continue reading The Puma That She Met One Day
Ivan and the Umbrella
By Ruby Pressman Tonight we said our goodbyes. I started crying and he started laughing. "Why are you laughing?" I asked him."Because I don't want to cry." *** We met on New Year's Eve. It was a foggy rainy day and I was feeling kind of down -- had gone to a local restaurant near … Continue reading Ivan and the Umbrella
Lucky Dog, Unlucky Dog
By Debbie Robertson Lucky Dog lived on a boulevard lined with ancient oaks that spread their wide branches to shade the walk where children played. Birds sang their songs and squirrels chattered merrily as they scrambled up trunks and made flying leaps from tree to tree. Unlucky Dog lived near a busy street in the … Continue reading Lucky Dog, Unlucky Dog
Hums of the Breeze
By Tristan Duenow Bright sun rays pierced the black of my suit. Little beads of sweat dotted my brow and a damp undershirt stuck to my back. The white fluffy clouds occasionally blessed us with shade as they moved in the gentle breeze. It was a day he would have liked very much. Mom stood … Continue reading Hums of the Breeze
At Sunset
By Charles Mercy At the gathering, present in my father's compound. There are souls filled with joy, smiling faces luminous than the sun, mouths engulf with laughter, and the marvel sounds of children giggles simultaneously extend the atmosphere. The songs of a new beginning and the sweet cry of a new born. Everybody could be … Continue reading At Sunset
I Wasn’t Drunk
By Jennifer Leigh Kiefer I wasn’t drunk. That’s the truth. I never am though, so I knew you wouldn’t realize I was faking. The half a bottle I had slowly sipped was just an excuse. Something I could blame – we both could blame. As I wandered away from the group huddled on the large … Continue reading I Wasn’t Drunk
Is She Paying Rent?
By Thomas Payne Birgit was arriving on the 8:32 flight from Chicago. Nathan had asked Jon to drive him to DIA, and asked if they could pick up Heather on the way to make it less date-like. I-25 was clear and Jon was trying to keep it under 85. Nathan lit him a cigarette. “She’s … Continue reading Is She Paying Rent?
Wabi-Sabi
By Timothy Resau Previously published in The Sparrow's Trombone on November 22, 2021 I am alone. I’m in a most unique hotel room. It’s very modern and sparsely furnished. I believe it’s a hotel room. I assume it’s a room. I assume it’s a hotel. It’s fun to assume. I’m watching a TV program. I … Continue reading Wabi-Sabi
Bliss Street
By Cerys Harrison I was nearly thirty. That is to say, I was twenty-nine. I was growing lonely more and more. Many of my friends had given up their dreams of becoming professional actors. Collectively, we lost our enthusiasm, our optimism. A few of us had gotten small parts here and there over the years. … Continue reading Bliss Street
Academy of the Heart And Mind 