By Thomas Page The closest thing to silence echoes through the room. The lesson plans of other teachers bleed in through the walls Like a gushing wound by a riverbed To set the stage of unease. The occasional flip of paper Or the clawing of an eraser Work in syncopation led by no conductor. Does … Continue reading “A Quiz”
A Keyboard As Hot As A Smocking Barrel
By Mendes Biondo I’ve got to write an article about a banner affixed against the wall of a library something against mobsters and indifference something for those who believe culture could kill professionals with smoking guns or lawyers accountants notaries corrupt I’ve got to write that piece but I can feel my stomach aching … Continue reading A Keyboard As Hot As A Smocking Barrel
Song of Songs
By Marvel Pephel Nneka is not dead, but she wishes she was. What she has just seen is unbearable. What life is doing to her, she thinks, is not fair. She wants to die, but she won't. She wishes she wasn't callous. *** Light rises on Chekwube, a young chubby girl with … Continue reading Song of Songs
“Brain of a Cat”
By Thomas Page Dr. Reading wanted to make a scene By transforming a cat into a dream Teacher by the end of fifteen school weeks. Sangchu, his proposed student, barely speaks Nor communicates with the clarity Normally reserved by rarity Of talking animals. “This is harder Than I initially envisioned,” to her He said. … Continue reading “Brain of a Cat”
The Class
By John Grey Large and small, dumb and smart, emphatic strides, indifferent straggle - the classroom fills. Some heads stare eagerly at the blackboard, others twist, bob, whisper. A few are clear about what they want. Most are attuned to getting by as best they can. The dunces wonder what they're doing there. The teacher … Continue reading The Class
His Words
By Rebby Berard “What are you doing?” “Watching turtles.” “Isn’t that boring?” “Nah, they’re cool.” “I guess so…” “Look, those two are friends!” “Like us.” “Just like us.” “They’re probably all friends.” “Or family.” “Either way, I’m more lonely than these turtles.” “Ah yes, this is a conversation between you, Allen Jameson, and me, chopped … Continue reading His Words
“Don’t Let Your Mind Wander”
By Chloe Mangiafico Change my clothes, put my hair up, tie my shoes. I don’t even have to think about it anymore. It’s just something I do, like breathing or blinking—or running. The routine, the repetition, it gives me control over my life. I always find myself at the same trail, behind the houses, down the … Continue reading “Don’t Let Your Mind Wander”
His Words
By Rebby Berard “What are you doing?”“Watching turtles.” “Isn’t that boring?”“Nah, they’re cool.”“I guess so…”“Look, those two are friends!”“Like us.”“Just like us.”“They’re probably all friends.”“Or family.” “Either way, I’m more lonely than these turtles.”“Ah yes, this is a conversation between you, Allen Jameson, and me, chopped liver.” “Dev, you know what I mean.”“How you think … Continue reading His Words
Big Fight in FortReal Chapter 1
By Chaher Alzaman Chapter One 0. A flying punch pushed through the cold air. It missed, but the fight carried on. Now there were more cheering and rowdiness in the crowd. The fight heated up, and the crowd engulfed more crowd. More punches were thrown, and the crowd asked for more. Outrageously, one of the spectators seemed to be moving … Continue reading Big Fight in FortReal Chapter 1
Jack and Mary
By Tess Mazzucchelli Jack and Mary started bringing their grandchildren, Nora and Aaron, to Mike’s Diner when they were infants. Jack had picked them up, one in each arm, and brought them over to the jukebox, their chubby palms pressed against the glass as he chose a song. Frank Sinatra had streamed out of the speakers … Continue reading Jack and Mary
Academy of the Heart And Mind 