Piker Press — Weekly Journal of Arts and Literature
March 16, 2026

Short Fiction

Short stories published in Piker Press, a weekly journal of arts and literature.

1,823 articles — page 25 of 61


Saturday by Ralph Bland

Every week, it happens. No wonder we get old so quick...

Dreams by Kim Burkhalter

You know not the day nor the hour...

The Dinner Date by Lydia Manx

On April Fools' Day, it's not a good idea to accept a date unless you know what he's really like, or where his dark whispers will lead you.

Peace in Our Time by Dan Mulhollen

MAGA!

Skeeters by Frederick Foote

"The narrator assures me that each and every word is the gospel..."

Etta May Shoemaker St. Peter Interview by Frederick Foote

Now there was some unfinished business...

Harlan by Ralph Bland

Time goes by, and though some things get better, some good things are lost. Makes you wonder if anyone will find them again...

Etta May Shoemaker by Frederick Foote

Remember that old song, "In Heaven There Is No Beer?"

An Angel of the Lord Appeared Unto Him by Bernie Pilarski

Justin is caught between life and death, Trish is trying to decide if spending the night had been a mistake. Life is never simple and death rarely comes with instructions...

Strange Justice by Beate Sigriddaughter

One in prison, but one who suffers for the crime committed...

Escape from Reality by Kim Burkhalter

Kim Burkhalter has lived in Wisconsin for most of his life. Most of his writing has been in a high school and a college creative writing magazine. He once got an award at Lakeland College in Sheboygan, WI for a story called "White Dragon." He has also finished a novel, "The Dream Machine."

Things Can Always Get Worse by Peter Barbour

Peter Barbour grew up in Philadelphia, PA. He is an avid fisherman, bicyclist, and canoer. His hobbies include drawing and carving wood. He is a retired physician, who practiced Neurology in Allentown, PA, where he still resides. He is married and has three children, and four grandchildren. He has always loved telling stories.

The Powder-puff's Journey by Nick Gerrard

Nick Gerrard is originally from Birmingham but now living in Olomouc where he writes, teaches a little, and in between looks after his son, Joe. He edits and designs Jotters United Lit-zine. Nick has been at one time or another a chef, activist, union organiser, punk rocker, teacher, traveler and eco-lodge owner in Malawi and Czech.

Second Chance by Elaine Zentner

A heart that learns mercy can make amends. A hand that reaches out can be touched. Ideally, that is...

Veterans' Day by Frederick Foote

Let this year be one of thought...

Christmas on Trash-in-the-Yard Boulevard by Terry Petersen

A feisty woman who doesn't expect much from the holidays is about to be surprised...

The Rules by Bernie Pilarski

The farther Mankind travels into space, the more likely it is that it's five o'clock somewhere...

Food for Thought by Frederick Foote

Aren't you glad Halloween is over?

Three Charlies by Terry Petersen

More than one Charlie lives in a nursing home, but they see the same place in different ways...

Confessor of Two Evils by Patti Santucci

Are your shivering movements heard? Your breath? Your pounding heart?

Coming up for air by Abigail George

"Shaping valleys that sing with the force of winds, human beings, the sun, the bright shine of nature, the gentle genetic simplicity of the relationship between Noah and his animals..."

The Burial by John Paulits

A season changes, and suddenly, nothing that was will ever be perceived the same way again...

The Accursed by Sand Pilarski

All the troubles in the world -- where do they come from, and whom should we blame?

Birds of a Feather by Mel Trent

How Crow and Raven learned the difference between black and white...

Lifeguard by Ralph Bland

The end of the season and isn't it time to let it go peacefully?

Gone Fishing by Frederick Foote

Does this one arrive when you least expect it? Or is it always nearby...

Notes on the Metaphysical by Abigail George

"I have lived a life filled with buoyant ecstasy and hope." -- Abigail George

No Reason by Gayle Jansen Beede

Gayle Jansen Beede is the author of a collection of poems called "You Can Practically See Cattle Dancing," and a children's book, "Audrey to Zoe: An Alphabet of Critters." Some of her work has appeared in Cumberland Poetry Review, Karamu, Louisiana Literature, Negative Capability, Poet & Critic, Zone 3. She lives a stone's throw from San Francisco.

Aunt Marty's Magic Coins by Terry Petersen

Aunt Marty's niece Lacy doesn't have her aunt's gift for hearing the voices of the deceased. And she doesn't want it. The magic coins have a different plan for Lacy.

The Interview by Frederick Foote

Anything you say or don't say can and will be used against you...