“Scalpels and Sledges” by M.R. Lehman Wiens

Dr. Baird delivers a baby boy on a Thursday in November, his fourteenth baby that month. Baird catches him, gloved hands moving entirely on muscle memory. His thoughts are elsewhere, flitting between the leaking shower head in the guest bathroom and the lingering lisp on his daughter’s tongue that will require speech therapy and the … Read More

“We Were Guests” by Kevin Carver

After the algae bloomed Our local sea lions were slowly driven mad Their minds infected by some unseen toxin. Hands on hips, I stood staring. Just yesterday. Those sea lions stranded on the sand. Nothing you can do really. A polite park ranger told me: Stand back, give them room to die. I didn’t see … Read More

“Liberty Lake” by Sarah Samarbaf

I stare at the moonlight of the river, Even it inflicts the suffering, I shiver. A broken image, devoid of all human desire, As if a vampire drained him and even wants higher. Condemned to be powerless for rest of his life, Every rescue path leads him to rope, gun or even knife. I’m terrified … Read More

“Mastiff” by Blayne Waterloo

Today’s peace is retaliation for Those decades of unease – but At a price. My spirit racks the Chain fence of this physical form, Simple as breathing. Always has been. Having cut my teeth on trespassers and Larcenists makes me cower from a timid Hand, though I crave it and employ my own. On my … Read More

“Stumbling” by Philip Berry

World gaps, liminal spaces Glass cages for the dopamine-low A tree split by lightning, Dare you extend a hand, touch its raw flesh? Puddle-dust, obscuring infinite depth Questions not asked, your grandparents’ secrets, Histories or heroism too terrible to reveal The brick that crumbles when isolated Naked frailty, quickly unseen Behind carved privet The state’s … Read More

“A Child’s Recipe for Comfort” by Angela Kasumova

Baked Potato Description: The perfect side to any meal; the best medicine when recovering from an illness. Preparation: Board Daddy’s car— a Chevy Blazer or wood-paneled station wagon depending on the day— drive to a restaurant, enjoy this rare time as a family of four. Number of Servings: 1 Ingredients: 1 baked potato Butter* Fatherly … Read More

“Double Rainbow” by Judith Amber

Today I fully inhabit my body, Watching the sunlight brighten Each flower on my pillowcase, Then move across the hardwood floor. I lie in bed and sip a cup of coffee So pungent Sumatra sings in my bones. Today I examine my travel companion With childlike curiosity As if looking at a squashed bug: How … Read More

“diversion” by Jonathan Chibuike Ukah

The road spread out before me like a grey carpet I was on course for my destination, almost there, just a pair of traffic lights, veering into the light wind, a bump, slowing down, then navigating into my large compound, where light is cast over the roofs and trees as though the moon gave birth … Read More

“The Disappearing Spouse” by Judythe Guarnera

This play by Judythe Guarnera was the first place fiction winner in the 2023 Golden Quill Writing Contest. Cast: Protagonist: X-Wife: Judy Strictly Moral Conscience SMC Dennis Sympathetic Techie Conscience STC Steve NEUTRAL NARRATOR NN JUDY Scene: X-Wife’s Living Room Day: All Hallows Eve ACT ONE Time: Shortly before dusk X-Wife: Damn, I wish he was … Read More

“The Tomorrow” by M. Golda Turner

This poem by M. Golda Turner was a first place winner in the 2023 Golden Quill Writing Contest. I earned my sea legs at the age of three, Coursing the Gulf, our small family. The Tomorrow was our ocean home, A yacht with bed and bath to roam. She cut into cresting waves so strong, … Read More