Poem of the Week–Black Feather
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Black Feather Not four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie, but rather thousands, falling from the sky in Arkansas. Drum fish decomposing in adjacent waterways. All gone. And now ... Read more
Poem of the Week–I am a Bubble
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I am a Bubble Sometimes easily burst, other times, not. I can linger around and just float into space, without direction Or I can land heavily and drop onto someone ... Read more
Flash Fiction–In or Out
flash fiction, NLAPW
In or Out? From his wheelchair, Bob reached for the doorknob and dropped his hand. Jay, his caregiver, leaned over his shoulder. “Aren’t we going in?” “I can’t face them.” ... Read more
Flash Fiction–That Sounds Better
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That Sounds Better Summer in the Hampton’s: nine year old Jack, his Grandpa Tony, Grandma Peggy and I are in the living room of the rental house. Grandpa Tony says, ... Read more
Flash Fiction–Postcards
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Postcard #1 The second time the waiter spilled soup in Archibald’s lap, he ended up with bouillabaisse stains on his pinstripes. The waiter—he’d better succeed next time—was positively abject with ... Read more
Flash Fiction–Between Duty and Devotion
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BETWEEN DUTY AND DEVOTION Sitting with John, my mind reflects back fifty years to the day of our marriage. A hot August day in Maryland, sweating in his Navy uniform, ... Read more
Flash Fiction–War
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War Strategy is the only order in the chaos of battle. Can’t tell if we’re winning or losing. Combat subsides with an uneasy calm. Losses are surprisingly limited; strength renewed. ... Read more
Flash Fiction–Breakfast
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Breakfast Francine poured a cup of coffee and went outside to sit beneath the hemlock. It had been a rewarding though hectic family visit. They left behind a supply of ... Read more
Flash Fiction–Spring Break
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Spring Break He stood in the drive as we drove away. His eyes said it all: “I wish I were going, too.” In the car, one grandmother, two granddaughters, and ... Read more
Flash Fiction–Devotion
flash fiction, NLAPW
Devotion Saturday morning, I’m at the local bead shop. It’s like a candy store to me, filled with bins and strings of prismatic glass and crystal beads. I crave color ... Read more