The women had left us when the heatwave began. At dusk, they had buried their heartjars in the earth and walked away. A line of women, mothers and wives, drifted through the valley. … more
Tag Archives: Death
Two Stories by Dog Cavanaugh
FICTION by Dog CavanaughIf you’re willing to pay for it, in that part of the country you can have a person’s entire bedroom set along with all their clothes incinerated with the body. … more
A Father’s Counsel
FICTION by Youssef RakhaWell, the revolution made Karim fatherless all his life. Now the coup made him lifeless. … more
Toward a Happy Culinary Life (Notes)
FICTION by David WhelanAt the final word he looks sad, perhaps recalling his first love (jam), but his observation lingers across the sticky plastic table and your children, at once, come to a realization that all is not right in their world. That their parent is either a liar or, worst, fraudulent.… more
PLANTAINS
FICTION by Josh BoardmanThe plantain is black. It is black. It is black yet it has lightened. It is black yet it feels healthy elastic. The peel hardens up and goes cold. It is a black plantain yet there are signs of stirring life. New grassy hairs the color of wood shavings uncurl from the place where the… more
In the Event of My Death (Nancy, Do Not Read)
FICTION by Mack EisenmannIf Nancy and I aren’t still together when I die, I’d like whatever girl I’m with to wear a black cocktail dress and one of those sexy hats Jackie Kennedy wore. Make sure Nancy gets invited.… more
Practically Married
FICTION by Kara NormanDouglas heard the television in the den attached to the kitchen. I should go into the den, he thought. That is where men in families go.… more
Fly Away Home
FICTION by Joseph Allen CostaThere was purity and punishment to fighting and a release valve at the end of his fists.
OR…
Sometimes birds lose their way or have an accident.
Sometimes they become victims of predators.… more
The Bass
FICTION by Ashleigh Bryant PhillipsI know I can get better if I want to. Everybody can get better if they want to. At the Duck Thru the black ladies are talking ‘bout the Bradley man that used to be sheriff in Halifax County. He killed himself yesterday. Melissa’s rescue squad was called out to it. They say he… more
Virgil Palely Loitering
FICTION by John Patrick McShea“Your cock looks all right, kid,” he said. “I wouldn’t worry about a thing.”… more
