By S.T.O.L.M. “Humankind is just a minuscule dot up here. We don’t belong here, yet we keep coming, driven by longing for adventure or curiosity. I am no exception. Young and foolish, they said when I was sixteen. Now I'm eighteen. I wouldn't have any sense of loss if I had to turn back now. … Continue reading Monte Rosa
Of Dreams and Dust
By Oindrila Ghosal “The Trader of Dreams” “Once upon a time, there was a little girl who traded dreams for sleep.” “How little?” Neerja interjected Mohan’s narration. He clicked his tongue. “As little as we are. Save your questions for later. Let me finish my story first. So, where was I? Yes, there was a … Continue reading Of Dreams and Dust
Hate To See Me Coming
By Kelli J Gavin The woods hate to see me coming at this pointThey welcome me yet know what I am up toI spend far too long roaming known pathsDiscovering new mushroomsListening to birds call me by nameEach and every timeSomething new will catch my eyeA flower in full bloomThe rabbit hopping away quicklyAnd a … Continue reading Hate To See Me Coming
Snowbound Express
By Carla Capizzi It was the beginning of twilight on a cold December afternoon. Snow fell thickly on the station tracks, silently covering the rooftops of Trieste. The sky, leaden and shadowed, was veiled by heavy clouds. Not a single star or moon was visible. Far away, the whistle of a conductor was heard, running … Continue reading Snowbound Express
Engraved Invitations
By Fred Klein It was late at night, and the fog was dense and cold. The countess’ carriage driver, Rene, was confused as to which was the right trail to take to get back to the castle. Countess Alexandra Radu had gone to the King’s palace to celebrate the new year 1700. Now returning home, … Continue reading Engraved Invitations
You Are One of Us
By Melissa Owens Intercepted by an intergalactic traveler and shared with the author, Mahan Kirn, who translated it into English in 2020. I don’t have a name, it hasn’t been necessary. I am One of Us. Mother says I’m more rambunctious than many young Ones, and noisier. That’s because I can’t tolerate separation. I’m overcome … Continue reading You Are One of Us
To Manchester and Back
By Norma Hart Conflict is a word often associated with stories, and I am informed that there should always be conflict in a well told story. In Evelyn’s story there aren’t villains, or monsters, or wars. This story then, may not be for you - unless only a quiet inner discord - which our protagonist … Continue reading To Manchester and Back
The Red Oak
By Matias Travieso-Diaz An oak tree is an oak tree. That is all it has to do. If an oak tree is less than an oak tree, then we are all in trouble. Nhat Hanh A majestic red oak (Quercus rubra) stood alone atop a hillock. It was almost a hundred feet tall and had … Continue reading The Red Oak
Every Münchner Knows
By Rhea Karty Every Münchner knows that on Sundays, as you stroll down Theresienstraße, it's wise to keep your head down and your money tucked away. Yet, all too often, the dazzling spectacle of jams, honey, paintings, postcards, books, and the intoxicating scents sailing from succulent foods prove too potent—too enticing to simply pass by. … Continue reading Every Münchner Knows
Friends
By Don Cummings I haven’t seen Jim since college in—it must be—twenty years; Meryl, nineteen or twenty; Gabe, sixteen; Robyn—Jesus—the same. Jim lives in Burlington, Vermont—the last time I checked. Meryl—Connecticut. Gabe moved, somebody said, to St. Louis from Ann Arbor…. And Robyn’s somewhere—Laguna Hills? Laguna Beach? in Southern California. Burlington’s near the border. Connecticut’s … Continue reading Friends
Academy of the Heart And Mind 