Happy to know Lucky Bruce

by Derek Alger

Originally published on October 1, 2011

I came down off the stage to greet him, introducing myself and shaking his hand. He looked at me, and giving a quick, subtle shake of his head, said, “You don’t look at all like I expected.”

A Trip to Disneyland

by Aparna Sanyal

Originally published on October 1, 2011

Today a man drove by when I was on my bike near the bus stop on Elmridge Drive and shouted ‘Hey Paki! Go back where you came from!’ I yelled ‘stupid’ as loud as I could.

Christopher Locke

interviewed by Derek Alger

Originally published on October 1, 2011

Christopher Locke, who was born in Laconia, NH in 1968, is a poet, essayist, screenwriter and playwright. He is the author of the poetry collection End of Magic (Salmon Poetry, 2011). He has also published three chapbooks of poetry, Possessed (Main Street Rag, Editor’s Choice Award — 2005), Slipping Under Diamond Light (Clamp Down Press — 2002), and How To Burn (Adastra Press – 1995).

The Art of Jealousy

by A.K. Small

Originally published on October 1, 2011

“One, two, three, four, five.” She counted the ribs leading from her collarbone to her sternum with her index finger. “Five ribs above the line. You always want five, if possible six.” She dropped her cigarette in the toilet and startled Lilly by unbuttoning her shirt. She counted Lillie’s ribs too. “One, two, three.”

The Lion Heads

by Stephanie Smith

Originally published on October 1, 2011

You suffered from Stendhal Syndrome, they say Dali’s raw hand made you delirious You saw lion heads in the clouds leaping like performers in a circus through loops of fire A child born from the cosmic egg   But it was the sun and cheap wine that affected you the most   And so you [...]

Drying Lines

by Alex Miller

Originally published on October 1, 2011

The bell-swing of her hips When she changed balance, From my short vantage, Heaving the laundry basket Then calming the fluttering lines, Cooled by the poplar, forehead Misted with the work.   She herself was a frontier of shades, An expanse I couldn’t map, Brimful of hulking cares Whose darkenings and splotchmarks I was blind [...]

Stoned

by Geri Rosenzweig

Originally published on October 1, 2011

Home and far from home where time moves like a breeze stoned on nectar, I drift among the chatter of tea cups and charming stories. Clocks fold their hands, light smug as a cat lies on the sill, lace curtains yawn in the window, the essential stamp of departure inked on my soul at birth [...]

General’s Burial

by Aaron Voyles

Originally published on October 1, 2011

The town pleaded with the Lord, but the sand began to take their towers. One story at a time, the towers sank into the ground. No one knew why.