Readers Corner

My Father’s Map

In JD Clapp’s short story "My Father’s Map," a sweltering day in Oakland, CA, turns tragic as an unreliable air conditioner and a simple shoelace lead to a devastating accident. As Mrs. Johnson struggles with the faulty unit, the unforeseen ...
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Elaine

Gina Angelone’s flash fiction story "Elaine," the mundane act of eating a dry Swedish cracker becomes a poignant reflection on aging. As Elaine listens to John Prine’s evocative lyrics, she confronts her own sense of growing old, feeling the ...
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Elixir

In Joseph Farina’s micropoem "Elixir," a quiet morning moment is captured as the speaker contemplates their companion—a cup of coffee. The imagery of a "blackheart tinged in foam" beautifully conveys the simple, yet profound comfort found in this daily ritual, ...
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Saturday Challenge Showdown

In "Saturday Challenge Showdown," poets Robert Bussey and Moe Phillips tackle a unique prompt: crafting a poem or flash fiction about a woodland creature using rich sensory details. The challenge emphasizes showing rather than telling, capturing the scene with vivid ...
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A Day in March

In Isaac Grimaldi’s short story "A Day in March," a young boy grapples with discomfort and self-consciousness as he dons an ill-fitting green shirt for St. Patrick's Day. Amidst the chaos of classmates in festive green, he faces an awkward ...
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The Yoke of Unknowing

In Mark Christhilf’s short story "The Yoke of Unknowing," a mother reflects on the devastating loss of her three daughters to a rare breast cancer. The story delves into the agonizing decisions made in the face of medical helplessness and ...
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The Playland

In Shamik Banerjee's poem "The Playland," the joyful scene of children at play is vividly portrayed. Amidst a playful midday setting, the children’s collective laughter and movement are compared to a bouquet of flowers and the carefree dance of wind ...
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My Spring Season Sequential Sequels

In Sarah's free verse poem "My Spring Season Sequential Sequels," the vibrant onset of spring in the UK is depicted with rich, dynamic imagery. The poem captures the interplay of clouds, sunlight, and color as seen from a grand oak ...
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My Cousin Jim

In Geoff LaCasse’s short fiction "My Cousin Jim," the narrator reflects on an invitation from a distant relative, Cousin Jim, who reaches out for a family visit. The story explores themes of isolation and familial disconnection, highlighting how even the ...
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