One night a year in early July, the men and boys in swimsuits squat at the pool’s ledge to await two lifeguards’ whistles. The chlorine is all they smell, the burbling water is all they hear and—blindfolded—they see only black.… more
Tag Archives: Beer
Mementos
FICTION by Patrick StricklandWe’d been cutting weight for weeks, wearing garbage bags in the sauna and running a few miles two or three times a day. I’d already shucked fifteen pounds just to save space for booze, but I started to worry Mikey would be a downer all night. Worst thing about a guy like that—he gets you worried you did something wrong, like all his problems are your fault.… more
You Don’t Have Very Far to Go
FICTION by Francisco UribeAnd for two days straight, before going into the bookstore, I’d been locked up in a darkened room that stank to high heaven of unwashed pits and a poorly-wiped ass.… more
Three Fishermen
FICTION by Alexandros PlasatisHe was jealous of them, of the immigrants, of their boldness, their adventures, but he wouldn’t admit it, and he looked at them and they looked at him, and the space in-between was trapped in guilt, his and theirs.… more
Love Will Beat Your Brains Out
FICTION by Kelly Kathleen FergusonDon’t expect valet service, she says. You better carjack my ass like a man.… more
BULL On Tap: Natural Light
GENRE NON-BINARY by Mike BezemekNatural—“Natty”—even “Nasty” Light, as some call it…… more
