By Bluford Birdsong Originally published in Literary Yard Jill shuts down the treadmill after running three eight minute miles, proud of herself and thankful for a couple of hours alone. Still panting, she opens the stainless steel door of the new fridge and grabs a blue shaker bottle of branch-chain amino acids. The Tahitian Punch … Continue reading Yellow
The Wall
By Jim Woessner There was a loud, sharp crack from outside. The elderly woman sat up, sucked in her breath, and turned to the boy who was heating water on the one-burner stove. “What was that, Unuk?” she asked, using the Serbian word for “grandson.” “Not to worry, Baba,” the boy said. “Just a car. … Continue reading The Wall
What Really Happened When I Lost My Car (Regardless of What I Told My Friends)
By Dale Alexander My friend convinced me to park in the space labeled "for restaurant customers only," even though we were going to the bar next door. It was the last space available in the area. I occasionally found good things to write about on Saturday nights, so I went with it. After a few … Continue reading What Really Happened When I Lost My Car (Regardless of What I Told My Friends)
The Way of Honor
By John Page I look down at my foe. They march through the woods with a grim look. They look around for any opponents to slay. The horde is thirsty for blood but will not get it. They do not see me up in the trees. I wait until they are right under me and … Continue reading The Way of Honor
Manhole
By Alan Ford When Jamie went out he usually felt bored. Like some people he couldn’t put his brain on hold. He needed something to think about. One day he was looking down at his cell phone, sending a text message to a friend, when he fell down a sewage manhole. He ricocheted off the … Continue reading Manhole
The Face of the Oppressed
By Michael Emeka A brisk wind stirred up waste papers, old cellophane bags, dead leaves and empty containers from the refuse dump by the roadside and chased them across the street. I didn’t see the objects because it was pitch-dark. But I felt them skitter past me, some getting caught at my feet. And I … Continue reading The Face of the Oppressed
Tea With Honey
By Laura Teodorescu Tea time is at eight o'clock every morning, without exception. Emily puts milk into hers, but mama and I take it with a hearty amount of honey. We drink it slowly, in the Great Dining Room, without exchanging any words. When we're done, Emily cleans up quickly, mama goes in her study … Continue reading Tea With Honey
Inconsequential Memories
By Natasha Rogers I remember when I wrote the letter volunteering for this. A woman takes my hand and carefully leads me down some stairs. Her arm is barely grazing my shoulders as we descend, “There you go, good, one more step,” she says. I can’t see anything; I’m blindfolded. It’s voluntary, but I probably … Continue reading Inconsequential Memories
Hedge Your Bets
By Doug Dawson "Bless me Father, it's been ... three years since my last confession and these are my sins." "Just a minute, my son ... why so long?" "I've been very ... busy, Father." "Too busy to come to confession?" "I've been ... doing other things." "Have you … Continue reading Hedge Your Bets
Nellie: A Story About A Childhood Regular
By Maureen Barron Nellie was BIG. When she came to visit when I was small she blocked the light out in the doorway, I could see some sky above her head and some of the yard through her ankles. She would haul herself into the house by clutching either side of the door frame with … Continue reading Nellie: A Story About A Childhood Regular
Academy of the Heart And Mind 