Short Fiction

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

And what does "mercy" mean in the wars of politicians and their generals?

A psychologist appears to be willing to accept low fees rather than deal with insurance. However, Dr. Margaret Kale isn't who she seems to be...

You know not the day nor the hour...

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

MAGA!

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.

Now there was some unfinished business...

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

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

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...

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

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."

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.

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.

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

Let this year be one of thought...

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

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

Aren't you glad Halloween is over?

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

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

"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..."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.