I never knew what to say when people asked me what my father did for a living. Sometimes I joked, “He’s involved with high-risk investments.” — “Stocks? Bonds?” — “More like ponies and dice.”
Lessons from My Sire by Cynthia Jalynski
Category: Creative Nonfiction
Unwrapped by Dina Honour
He held it up and out, away from his body and along his arm. He used it to point at us sitting there in front of him. Over the curved edge, he gathered us in his sights.
Silence, Stillness by Lisa Nikolidakis
I never say abuse. Instead, I slide into cliché. It was no picnic, I say. Had a rough childhood, but the texture means nothing to anyone else.
Self-Portrait by Hayli Cox
Wet paint wrinkles up thin pages like the skin of an aging woman. A quick stroke of coral forms a sagging smile.
Spring Break, Freshman Year by Julie Stotz-Ghosh
I’m alone in my parent’s house, painting the first floor bedrooms where my grandmother and parents usually sleep.
Points of Departure by Corey Ginsberg
The rat floated toward me. His small legs pushed him through the water toward where I lay meditating next to my backyard pool.
Spook by Will Dart
Some people daydream about tropical islands, or tall ships, or sex with their classmates. I spend that time confronting the grim reality of my own imminent demise.
Hunger and Sleep by Matt Jones
If I want bread in this household, I have to go to my wife’s bed. I don’t mean to imply an economy of sex for grains, because that’s not the case.
The Missing Piece by Michael Narkunski
My date was from OKCupid, told me he was bipolar but “over it,” dragged me to three different bars, and didn’t even make out with me for my trouble.
Rat Trailer by Amy Elisabeth Smith
When I used a dustpan to swish all the mice and rats to one side of the box, I thought about all the different ways to be a mom.
