Author’s note: This story was completed during 2019 – pre-covid and pre-Jan-6. A flag lifted lazy in the breeze, revealing a solid white background adorned with a large black X stretching from corner to corner, an exact replica of the Confederate Battle Flag – a black and white symbol of hate. With a deafening roar […]
Category: Short Stories
The Madonna of Allentown
It happened again at Big Len’s place in Allentown, Pennsylvania. A steady flow of true humanity came through there every day. Big Len’s specialized in cold beer to go and weekly room rentals, an odd mix but it had been around for years. I had just returned from buying a carton of cheap cigarettes. It […]
Ghostwater
This story was originally published in White Enso Volume 7 Ghostwater had crept up from the river during the night packing itself thick between every rock and tree. Screams, my sister’s, had roused me from a fitful sleep, setting me to wander, torch in hand through the moonless night. The ghostwater mocked the light – […]
Ode to a Goddess
Rhodopis, plied that ancient trade, Among the elite in the city of sailors she gave. A rosy-cheeked beauty, the spirit and image of Nefertiti did bathe. # An eagle snatched Rhodopis’ sandal, flew far away, To Pharoah’s throne in the beautiful and enduring town. Spying the King, that bird flung the sandal into his royal […]
The Actuary
Monotony. Beige and bland. Grab the keys, knife, and lighter – each goes in its predestined pocket. Back out the driveway. Two stop signs, turn right. Cross the greenway. Pass three streets on the left. Round a bend. Another light, red, always red. My grandson’s school is to the right. Watch for kids. Green arrow. […]