by Eva Skrande
When the hush of the old town moves up the stems
of chrysanthemums,
the petals turn into small fires,
The Letter Contract of the “Civilised”
by Roukia Ali
“The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.” – George Orwell, “1984”
Before you are to be welcomed into the ranks of us Civilised people, we ask that you review the criteria of your adherence below. Failure to abide by and/or blatant infractions committed in regards to these articles will not go unpunished. Know that in either case we are just, good, peaceful people. We weigh all matters impartially, as is the responsibility of our faculty as the supreme holders of power. Yet to ensure the order by which these operations are made possible, we hold you in writing and in action to the same regard of compliance and critical thought.
Read More »Ester
by Jeffrey Zable
Read More »is my 97-year-old neighbor who lives two houses up, and continues
to amaze me …
In the moment, enjoying the ride
2 scenes
Perspectives on Living
A fire to be kindled
by Celso Antonio de Almeida
“And that, class, is why time passes more slowly if you travel at speed, though you need to start approaching the speed of light for the effect to be significant,” Ezra Nolan stated flatly, his eyes drifting to the clock above the whiteboard, wishing with all his strength that time, through some unlikely relativistic effect, would pass faster. Fifteen minutes left. Fifteen minutes until the end of the day, the end of the week, and one day closer to the end of his career. Thirty years of teaching high school physics, and for what? He surveyed the classroom of blank faces illuminated by cell phone screens under their desks. They probably wouldn’t remember this lesson tomorrow, let alone ten, twenty or thirty years from now.
Read More »The Tree of Fruit and Life
by Michael Roque
A tree in itself breathes-
From the roots,
swallows rain from the sky.
Blooms flowers and fruit,
and in a billion crevices fosters life-
nests with birds, hives of hornets,
ants chewing-
thirty to a single leaf.
Codependent relationships of ink and paper
by Sam Williamson
Read More »Despite all our years together, the care and devotion I have for her, Inspiration continues to be a capricious and unreliable life partner.
Unhinged Paradise
by Rae Greenwood
The ocean sparkles under the blazing sun
Inviting every soul to enjoy the refreshing sight
People lounge on their beds of soft sand and fabric
Laughing and drinking with great cheer
To the naked eye, it is a day of happiness
Nothing but joy and good company
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