By Luke Beling I moved to a new school in the eighth grade. Dad thought we needed a fresh start after mom died. It took my classmates one week to devise a nickname for me—one week of observing my zinc-painted face. "You're just missing the green hair and juggling balls, Circus Sam!" The first day … Continue reading Circus Sam
Sydney’s Eyes
By Luke Beling Sydney’s Eyes Sydney had one eye. When he'd drive me to school, I used to ask him about the missing one. He'd tell me a different story every day, laughing through a set of crooked, stained teeth. I marveled at how Sydney would reverse our big VW bus down the steep driveway. … Continue reading Sydney’s Eyes
Smoked Salmon for Lunch
By Luke Beling I was biting into a smoked salmon sandwich, watching my shadow, when Pretty walked up to me. I wouldn’t have looked at her if she hadn't spoken. My shadow made me appear bigger than I was, and by moving in specific ways, my rail-thin arms became bodybuilder-like. "That's a nice tie." She … Continue reading Smoked Salmon for Lunch
Sydney’s Missing Eye
By Luke Beling Sydney had one eye. I used to ask him, when he’d drive me to school, what happened to the other one. He'd tell me a different story every day then laugh through a set of crooked, stained teeth. I marveled at how he'd reverse our big car down the steep driveway. It … Continue reading Sydney’s Missing Eye
Leaving For Love
By Luke Beling The sea was a candle in his eyes. If he hoped to find what lay underneath it, he'd need to kiss her on the lips and promise to be back one day. Mary considered herself more than obtuse, undebated over like the choice of a holiday in the mountains or at the … Continue reading Leaving For Love
Academy of the Heart And Mind 