By Sophia Williams “Good morning, Via.” “Good morning, Doctor Molloy.” “So, Via, how are you feeling today?” “I’m feeling the same as yesterday, and the same as the day before that, and the day before that. It’s always the same feeling every day—it never changes.” “Okay, I hear you. And how does that make you … Continue reading Getting Better
One passing wasp
By Douglas J. Lanzo Based on the account of a close friend He stood atop a hillhe had been climbingwhen he felt chest painand panted just to breathe,staring blankly ahead,unsure of whether these were his last moments…A rabbit hopped closer —gazing up at his eyes,as its nose crinkled,sensing something was wrong.Time seemed to slow and … Continue reading One passing wasp
J
By Sweta Raghav I woke up late todayI woke to the sound of your voice.Sometimes, so it happens,Foreign fingers creep up to me,Uninvited,And do not let me breathe.My mind weaves dreams.It hides knives in them. Slow poison runs in the cracks of my skin,I am made prisoner within myself.But your voice was there today,Slowly loosening … Continue reading J
Spring Contest Poetry Co-Winner: “Jasmine Star” by Stephen Kingsnorth
I’m weary with this blanket wrapof fog or snow, ground war dead clogged,but then remember under feetthose sacrifices, autumn spread,the fallen as of golden youth,with winter hopes yet stratified’mongst mycorrhiza, worldwide web,while greys and browns are all around.Think aconite, hellebore,those lightning stars of yellow striketo break monotony of rimethat seals the prevalence of death.How dare … Continue reading Spring Contest Poetry Co-Winner: “Jasmine Star” by Stephen Kingsnorth
Spring Contest Fiction Winner: “Solar Life” by Gail Brown
Sunlight peeked over the horizon. Elanora pushed the woven grass curtain back. No need to call Traden or Shadel from onvine chatting with distant friends. The weather forecast for today was bright sunshine for a full eight hours. She tapped her final vine mail of the night. The vine quivered as the message shifted off … Continue reading Spring Contest Fiction Winner: “Solar Life” by Gail Brown
Spring Competition Poetry Co-Winner: “Spring’s Maestro” by Vanaja Malathy
On a pleasant spring daya little brown bird appearedfrom behind the green leafy screen reddish tail of rusty tone, brown chest and belly white-gray throat…the colors adding neither beauty nor glamor the unassuming bird perched unnoticed on the central branchthe bird spread its wings a littleclosed its eyes in meditationits throat swelled the deep breath … Continue reading Spring Competition Poetry Co-Winner: “Spring’s Maestro” by Vanaja Malathy
Him
By Zary Fekete Previously published in Bright Flash Literary Review. He came from nothing. His parents were dead. He grew up on the streets. Now a young man, he stood on the corner day after day, begging. Though he was grimy, he had a fine head of hair and bright eyes. He whispered words of … Continue reading Him
Is Anyone Out There?
By T.W. Crone The boy knocked on the apartment door in the dirty hallway. He wore an orange elementary school hoodie with an owl face on the front. The owl had glasses, which made it look intelligent. He ran his hand through his hair, looked at the peephole, and smiled as slippered feet shuffled inside. … Continue reading Is Anyone Out There?
The Blue on her Skates
By Jahnavi Fernandes Beatrice bolted out of the arena, shock and fury engulfing her body. She felt her fingertips turn into cobalt as she stopped to rest, turning strictly away from the blue-eyed boy who had just watched her leave. It was a moment of pure panic, but a satisfying result: she could win. Stumbling … Continue reading The Blue on her Skates
In The Checkout Line
By Julie Potter Being a receipt printer isn’t so bad. Sure, spitting out strips of paper can get tiring, especially when the lines seem never ending and there’s more returning than buying. But it’s fun to see the cashiers work—some of them make the most memorable faces typing in products! And sometimes, I’m the closest … Continue reading In The Checkout Line
Academy of the Heart And Mind 