Piker Press — Issue of January 6, 2025

A statue and his friends...

Salting the Claim by Steven French — Cover story speculative fiction

It feels good to be on the right track, but one must consider carefully what one is tracking...

The New Normal by Matthew McAyeal — Fiction

Matthew McAyeal is a writer from Portland, Oregon.

The Mumblers by Erik Buchanan — Fiction horror

Erik Buchanan is a writer based in Pennsylvania. He works night shift security which gives him plenty of time to scribble up stories.

Portals by Christopher Fried — Poem

"...you still ask if what I say is true..."

My Tennessee Waltz by Ian C. Smith — Poem haibun

"...distant shires, domestic duties..."

In Memoriam III:4 by Pranab Ghosh — Poem haiku

Haiku. Part of the ongoing series, reflecting the life and times, especially in this part of the globe.

Idiot Box by Shamik Banerjee — Poem rhymed

"...A palm-sized thing where all the world's contained..."

Before the Clock Strikes Midnight by Ndaba Sibanda — Poem unrhymed

"...pray and put away all 2024’s slumps and sorrows..."

Drinking Alone Again on Christmas Day by Richard LeDue — Poem unrhymed

"...compassion even more intoxicating when you find it..."

Into the Woods by Richard D. Hartwell — Poem unrhymed

"...follow them, like children chasing dreams..."

That Was the Last by D. Marie Fitzgerald — Poem unrhymed

"...like Christmas and an adventure all rolled into one..."

The Calm by Taylor Dibbert — Poem unrhymed

"...catching up with an old friend..."

Consolaçam 15 by Ron Singer — Serial fiction

And now, Jeshua's story...