HNK: A Look To The Past

Artistic, Submissions, , , ,

I’m in a crowded banquet hall shaking hands with the Governor’s son-in-law. She’s peering at me from across the room. I once passed her notes through a chain link fence in a nameless hometown. The sadness behind her eyes ruminates on those days. We’ve outgrown all juvenile afflictions except desire.

HNK is an up & coming young writer and aspiring novelist located in coastal North Carolina. In his free time he likes to fence, play chess and practice physical comedy. His writings can be seen at prayaboutus.net.

DEIRDRE SMITH: Bedtime Soothsayer

Artistic, Odd, Submissions, , , , ,

He asks for my hand and inspects every wrinkle, connects every freckle, traces every line with his fingers.

He quietly analyzes my palm, with a look of angst drawn on his young face.

He tells me how many babies I was supposed to have and when I’m going to die.

Deirdre Smith has dabbled in writing for as long as she can remember. She is a part-time Guidance Counsellor and a full-time mom. She resides in the always colorful St. John’s, Newfoundland.

BOB THURBER: Sudden Sunrise

Artistic, Submissions, , ,

A moment before you wake, a bird escapes your dream. You find it waiting for you, watching you, flapping and fluttering, perched atop a stack of books arranged like a staircase. When you grab for it, the bird turns into a sunbeam slanting down from a pinhole in the curtain.

Bob Thurber is the author of six books. Regarded as a master of Flash and Micro Fiction, his work has appeared in Esquire and other magazines, been anthologized 60 times, received a long list of awards, and been utilized in schools and colleges throughout the world. He resides in Massachusetts. Visit his website at BobThurber.net.

DEBORAH TAPPER: The Beach

Adventure, Submissions, Touching, , , ,

We built enchanted castles, sailed driftwood boats, raced pirates and mermaids, carefree feet printing unfinished stories across sun-rippled sand. Now I watch the sea and wonder if the restless waves stir old memories, if you ever stop to look for sirens or sea monsters.

If you ever think of me.

Deborah writes at an old desk surrounded by five hundred pet bugs.

CHRIS LIHOU: Aromatic Wood

Artistic, Submissions, , , , , ,

The project did not matter; it was all about the aroma. The more sawdust produced, the more shavings he curled off the wood, the more his nostrils were filled with a smell that transfixed him into a Zen-like state. On some days he was even known to make something useful.

Chris Lihou is retired, now finding his voice via writing; including 50 word fiction.

ALAN KEMISTER: Curmudgeon

Artistic, Submissions, , , , ,

Decades ago, in high school, he joined friends singing a song. One took him aside. “You’re hopeless. You shouldn’t even try.”

He vowed to never sing in public.

Today, in the nursing home, they encouraged him to join their singalong. He shook his head and wandered away.

“Curmudgeon,” someone said.

Alan Kemister is a retired scientist experimenting with more fictitious writing. He’s currently working on a climate change trilogy. Two books are published. Get the gory details at alankemisterauthor.wordpress.com.

JONATHAN ODELL: Inventing Time was God’s First Mistake

Amusing, Submissions, , , ,

Eve didn’t blame the snake. It was Time that got her and Adam into trouble. When God showed them that apple tree, their mouths watered. Then he told them, “Don’t eat it.” What did he do next? Left them alone. With Time on their hands and apples on their minds.

Jonathan Odell has published three novels and his essays and short stories have appeared in various national publications. He lives in Minneapolis with his husband. His website is JonathanOdell.com.

JONATHAN BATTISTA: Cove of Foam

Artistic, Submissions, , , ,

In a cove of foam and grasping driftwood he finds five suitcases, and heavy with salt drags them ashore. Inside one a plastic bag of cash, a copper rosary, a letter that dissolves in his hands. He leaves the cases lined up on the sand from largest to pink-stickered smallest.

Jonathan Battista is an author and poet, and an accidental finalist in the Australian Poetry Slam. He has been published in Aniko Magazine and Alethia Literary Quarterly, including as the winner of the inaugural ALQ prose poetry award. He lives on Dharug and Gundungurra Country in the Blue Mountains of Australia with his wife and son.

JENISE COOK: Father’s Stories

Artistic, Submissions, , , ,

The campfire crackled as my terminally ill father shared family stories with my teenage son. The Milky Way above us witnessed the transfer of traditions. My chest puffed up with pride at my son’s rapt attention, until the final story.

That’s when I found out I’m not my father’s son.

Jenise Cook lives with her husband in the north-central highlands of Arizona where it snows. Jenise enjoys visitors to @jenisecook on Twitter and JeniseCook.com, where you can find a list of her published works.