Palm Funeral
By Adam SchuitemaThe tallest palm on the atoll lost its fronds long before falling. King tides and storm surges had breached the walls, poisoned it with salt.
The Quiet Sadism of the Powerless
By Heather BourbeauShe woke to news of another stalemate, more children dying on the border, mounting humanitarian crises overseas, and a small mass in her breast.
Photo Story: The Trumpeter’s Caress
By Natalie WuShe waits in the corner, haughty and lacquered. I always sit close, inhaling her delicate scent of beeswax polish.
Ain’t Gonna Stick
By Lauren KosaBy the time I met him, in my thirties, my expectations were properly tempered.
Because Some Doors Neve...
By Tommy DeanThere’s something about a baby-gate left unhinged. The way it lists to the right like a barn door left open for a pregnant stray cat.
Photo Story: Paper Moon
By Mir-Yashar SeyedbagheriAstride the swing ride, sky opens, vast, deep, lavender. I should be scared, suspended in the air. But I’m not.
Meaning Given, Meaning ...
By Santino PrinziWe walk along the wooden pathways of Red Seabeach, breathing China deep.Crimson reeds glow, waving from the wetland like something fabricated.
The Muscovy Duck
By Jeanette ToparBalanced on a half-submerged log, she grooms her fine white feathers as if they are a mink coat, as if she resides high in a penthouse apartment.
Sisters in a Hotel Twin...
By Lucy GoldringI’m doing a bum waggle dance at the window. Loosey goosey in powder blue pajamas. See my gone-wrong-Bond-girl silhouette? No other ten year old is this funny.
Photo Story: We’re Not ...
By Francis J. TrautmanWhen I attempted to sneak back home near dawn, she was there on the porch in her orange wig, red nose, and white pancake makeup. She pointed at an invisible watch on her wrist and then drew the finger across her throat.
The Crayfish Seller
By Richard BerryA woman walks past my stall every afternoon in this spot at 4:15. Never 4:10 and never 4:20.
A Clean Sweep
By Donald RanardShe was bending over the dining room table taking a close-up of a vase. The table was covered with vases and bowls.“What’s going on?” he said.
