Issue of March 30, 2026

Quick, Lick the Toad by Elaine Lennon — Cover story fiction

Just don't blame the amphibian --

Into a Drifting Dark by Rekha Valliappan — Fiction horror

Rekha Valliappan is an award-winning multi-genre writer of short fiction and poetry. She holds a MA in English Literature from the University of Madras and a LLB (Hons) from the University of London.

Second Hand by Tyler Marable — Flash fiction

Tyler Marable lives with his family in Alabama. He enjoys good food, good drinks, and good people. He is an aspiring novelist.

Bidding Farewell to <i>Periplaneta americana</i> by John Dorroh — Poem unrhymed

"...You will see many magical things..."

Circus People Unite! by Charles Cicirella — Poem unrhymed

"...Diversity and inclusivity are nothing to fear...."

Dolorance by Jim Murdoch — Poem unrhymed

"There are forever pains..."

Explanation to the Explorers by John Grey — Poem unrhymed

"If it's any consolation..."

Seeds by Jack Phillips Lowe — Poem unrhymed

Jack Phillips Lowe is a lifelong resident of the Chicago area.

Weapon Faithful by Supatra Sen — Poem unrhymed

"...Despite setbacks and letdowns..."

Wordlessness by Sanjeev Sethi — Poem unrhymed

"...There is no dossier to back me..."

You Will Know Them by Their Actions and Histories by Ndaba Sibanda — Poem unrhymed

"Transatlantic slave trade was a grave crime..."

Verbal Misunderstandings by Ian C. Smith — Prose

Think before you speak; think after words are spoken.

plant ID'ing by Jerome Berglund — Sedōka

A dance with nature...