Issue of January 12, 2026

patty by Gabriela Vannier — Essay

Gabriela Vannier is a writer of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry and memoir. She draws inspiration from authors like Jeannette Walls and Mary Karr, appreciating their candid and vulnerable storytelling. Ms. Vannier writes for catharsis and connection, seeking a deeper understanding of herself and of the world around her.

Cosmic Flour and the Toilet Bowl Doom Loop by Jill Williams — Fiction humor

Jill Williams is a versatile writer whose work spans literary realism, satire, and Southern Gothic, often exploring themes of identity and spiritual transformation. She returned to writing after a decades-long hiatus.

Truth Teller by Michael Braswell — Fiction life

Michael Braswell taught ethics, human relations and peacemaking at East Tennessee State University. Before that he was a prison psychologist. He has published books on justice issues and the spiritual journey as well as four short story collections and two novels.

Lucid Dreams by Gopal Lahiri — Poem

"...Neither light nor darkness, just a stoic stillness..."

No Longer Playing Games by Ndaba Sibanda — Poem

"...We’re daring equals, investors and innovators..."

Backyard Coffee Break by Cheryl Heineman — Poem unrhymed

"... It’s all good..."

Can you hear me by Elizabeth Agre — Poem unrhymed

"...what my words mean to me..."

Free Ride by Rp Verlaine — Poem unrhymed

"...falling through trap doors of chance..."

The Real Didi by Charles Rammelkamp — Poem unrhymed

Charles Rammelkamp is Prose Editor for BrickHouse Books in Baltimore.

Transience by Amit Parmessur — Poem unrhymed

"...voices soaked in spices and seawind..."

tweet by Wayne F. Burke — Poem unrhymed

"...like death's sentinels from the porch railing..."

Ngongo Chronicle: Copper: A Memoir 10 by Ron Singer — Serial fiction

Festus' efforts to maintain a crumbling country prompt much criticism...