War dead fell in patterns around craters, and will long enrich the battlefield. Some forever will inhabit the soil. Survivors, like shadows, return to circle the lush grass; argue possible versions of their own history. Since victory, I offer my shame at living; I offer atonement as demanded by our leaders; I offer up partisan fantasies couched with propaganda; I offer … [Read more...]
Dolly’s Place on S.R. 29 | Keith Moul
Dolly's life and my life proceeded apace, anyway, but only since 1996 overlapping at her prairie cafe. She was only thirty when the former operator quit the lease, held so long patrons forgot “before Bill.” At sixty years, I only ate, without talent as a cook. One thing I know for sure, thirty years of separation tends to bar sentimental talk between contemporaries. But, … [Read more...]
A Tale | Nirali Bandaru
Because she wore mismatched clothes, and nerdy glasses, too big for her face. She had no sense of humor, knew no trends, and had no taste. Her laugh was hideous, and her curves absent. She longed to be a full moon, but was only a crescent. She picked food in her braces, with her bare hands, had tacky sense of fashion, wore a yellow shirt, with green pants. She knew … [Read more...]
Little Ones | Sukrita Paul Kumar
Terror-struck bees Buzzing in hornets Yellow Sun shooting out of black clouds …………………………………………………………… Buddha in grey stone Melting in White peace ……………………………………………………………. Through stillness of my walk The forest dancing in fog The earth in circles …………………………………………………………… A scream shooting through The eye of the needle the baby is born …………………………………………………………… … [Read more...]
Reminiscence | Dr. N Madani Syed
My father scraps the salty Marina wind Off his body (nearing the retirement age) Before the sound of the BBC radio announcer, Who declares in his white-collar voice The cessation of the Russian aggression Over the neighbouring spirited nation. He then drinks his cup of Darjeeling tea And performs his routine wudu, As the voice from the radio stoically regurgitates … [Read more...]