THE LEXICON OF SALTWATER • by Paul Shaw Smith
I used to live in this town. Alone, in a house just over the dunes. Today is the day, and I have made my annual pilgrimage back to the beach. I lie back and close my eyes. My body on… Continue Reading
Literary
MAGICIAN’S PET • by Michelle Hoeckel-Neal
As a tadpole, I spent my days lounging atop the spongey remains of yesterday’s dinner or soaking in the gurgling, acrid pool I called home. I whipped my tongue at falling bits of meat and beans. When bored, I practiced… Continue Reading
BUTT-DIAL WHILE OUT SHOPPING • by Lynn Kozlowski
The old man’s first call from his wife was about which exact brand of peanut butter she should be getting since they no longer carried his brand. Her second call was about 10 minutes later. His ‘Hello’ got no response.… Continue Reading
MURMURINGS • by Vipul Lunia
Sarika lay unconscious in the driver seat. Clad in her blue silk saree complemented by a green blouse, a pearl necklace, and a Titan watch, she had been driving to the orphanage to adopt a baby brother for me. I… Continue Reading
GRACE • by Michael Downing
The sand felt warm, the way it usually was on Saturday afternoons in Seaside Heights; face down on the beach under a hot July sun that burned my back and shoulders while Jenny was getting cheese fries and Cokes from… Continue Reading
FULL ORGAN • by Walter Lawn
With Susan it was different. Susan and Tom lived one house away from each other, and had been born only a week apart, so they had splashed in wading pools, stroked wooly bear caterpillars, picked up toads and climbed trees… Continue Reading
FADE OUT • by John Van Wagner
I hear them grunt as they nudge each other in the dark, their leg chains clanking around in weary indifference. Long after the cicadas cease their shrill mating songs and the hellish bellows of the cats retreat into the darkness,… Continue Reading
BLANCA • by Liisa Walimaa
“Did you know Dalmatians are born without spots?” Sheri looked up from her book. “What are you talking about?” “Baby Dalmatians. They’re spotless.” “We’re not getting a dog.” “No, I know. They’re messy. I don’t mean they’re spotless spotless. I… Continue Reading
A SPELL OF RELIEF • Brian P. Katz
Just months ago after receiving the news, my mother held me in her arms and softly sang, “I Don’t Want to Cry Anymore.” Now, her voice chokes with pain and all the tears in the world are ours. “Remember, sanctuary… Continue Reading
ROLLER COASTER RIDE • Christy Hartman
My white knuckles grip the safety bar. Heights, speed, lack of control– things I avoid at all costs. I connect the video call, phone shaking. His gaunt, beautiful face calms my nerves. “I knew you wouldn’t deny a dying man… Continue Reading