Tag: Fiction
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Initial Contact by Yuan Changming
The only reason Ming had travelled across the whole Pacific Ocean from Vancouver to Lotus Village was, hopefully, to see Chiung for the first and last time after he left his native place more than half a century ago. However, upon arrival, he found himself a total stranger. While…
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Smoke by Brendan Owens
perfumed in the corners of the houselies smoke that has not been aired out;forever stained in the leather &mentioning it will attractmy mother’s attention— there — don’t you remember? my grandmotherbefore the fireplace, chained to many bottles:the bond outlasting all her others—‘it’s very similar,’ says my brother.in the silence that…
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Diner Love by Philip Lisi
The top of the Heinz ketchup bottle at the Neptune Diner looked secure–I am sure it was on tight. But as I stare at the tomatoey Rorschach splotch adorning the front of your date-nightdress, I guess I must have misjudged the synchronicity between white metal top with its spiral grooves…
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The Black Swallowtail by William Kitcher
After dining with my friend Gustav on our scheduled Friday evening at The Radish Café, we returned to his apartment to continue our discussion over glasses of excellent brandy. As usual, the conversation turned to books; Gustav taught World Literature at the local university. My tastes weren’t as highbrow as…
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Missions by Zach Anderson
The last time I saw my father was last January, a mild day for Minnesota, mid 20s. I drove out to his house, an hour from the major cities, through several small towns, each perched along a central train line through Minnesota which begins in Chicago and ends somewhere parts…
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The Carpet Salesman by Ellis Shuman
Business in the carpet department was slow; in fact, it was non-existent. Ziv sat behind his desk from the moment the store opened in the morning until it closed for the night, and looked out at the furniture displays with little to distract him. Occasionally, shoppers walked into Ziv’s…
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Hunger by Daniel Schulz
I lived through six euro an hour philanthropy,wrapped in a blanket of poverty,sleeping on benches in train stationswaiting for my next ride home,my back battered by the factory lines.This is not an achievement. This is life.I will not give in. I am a fighter with a marathon heart,a love harderthan…
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Clothes Pole by Jim Bates
Set firmly in the groundIt had its own spot in the backyardA heavy-duty metal post with wooden arms attachedHeld together with clothesline ropeA lever controlled it going up and downA thing of mechanical beautySimple utility and grace. His mother hung sheets from it every weekWhite cotton flags waving in the…
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Trial Run by Gabrielle Esposito
It was a miracle, really, that only one of them was killed in the car crash. By the time the police finally arrived, they had each been pulled away from the wreckage once: first Dash, Lily, and then Clem. The cops found Dash and Lily shouldering Clem into place as…