The Beauty in Art

/

Humanity is an art form often hidden from plain sight.

————

Jordon just became a teenager. His Granny, who he thought was really an angel not a human, promised him a German chocolate cake with coconut frosting. He sensed that she was proud of him and it thrilled him to feel the hugs she gave him.

Granny worried about Jordon. She was from another era. When she took the bus to the mall she always sat in the back where she was more comfortable. At the mall she carefully checked to make certain there was no sign reading, “WHITES ONLY” before bending…


By Robert L. Scarry

Read More

Shady Valley

/

A humorous piece on nursing home life.

————

…only true thing about the name of Shady Valley Rest Home was that it was shady and not because it was surrounded by Oaks, but because the owners billed the government enough so the budget was met, the high salary for the CEO-owner was paid, and there were bonuses in cash to elected officials who were board members. The place was mostly clean (unless one looked in corners or under furniture); it certainly smelled clean with all the Glade plug-ins. Truth be told, a plug-in wasn’t going to completely cover the urine…


By Niles Reddick

Read More

A Walk on the Beach

/

Man goes for a walk after a breakup.

————

…walked along the path. On his left was the vast beach, with waves crashing along its shores. He had already passed two of the lifeguard towers, a few restrooms most people avoided, and an outdoor shower wall.

He could also see a few large tankers a few miles from shore, and a handful of small boats. In the distance there was an oil rig, and he tried to remember when they were given permission to…


By Alex Almeida

Read More

Inka’s Curse Part 30: Captured

/

…don't think I could lie that I’ve slain the dragon. But I can at least lie about Rachel. I ask her if I can slice her hand. A little blood and fur should be convincing enough.

“I know you think you're being heroic, or something but this is dumb. Your plan can’t succeed. Let’s stick together. We’ll figure something out.” Her voice calm and cool as if nothing were wrong.

“No there’s no time for that. I just want to get this done with. I don’t want anyone to get hurt. And if I don’t make it that’s…


By Cristina Collazo

Read More

The Gazebo

/

…she is again still wearing the big white hat that covers her hair and hides her face with a shadow. The dark blue band contrasts with the yellow flowers resting on the broad floppy brim. Standing on the gazebo she appears both angelic and regal. The full length dress could be mistaken for a robe or a royal cloak.

I've seen her before... but where? It certainly was not here on this gazebo; it was recently constructed. Why can I…

By Robert L. Scarry

Read More

Artfully Played

/

Modern educators stress the value of the sciences; reality underscores the need for the arts.

————

…was a scientist; he was an engineer, and he had an idea. He thought it was genius; it would, in his mind, make him a fortune. His father, laughed; he said it was a “pipe dream." "If you wish to be rich, you should follow a different path,” he said pontifically. “Scientists don’t get rich; they become famous. Business majors get rich,” he explained to a dipondent son. Vladimir believed his analytical mind could cope with any challenge and proceeded with his…

By Robert L. Scarry

Read More

Inka’s Curse Part 28: Cave

/

…the insistent ringing in my ears quiets, and I start to feel the cold sweat on my body. I wake up the other two.

I wake up having a stomach ache.

The air was refreshing in the early morning as we walked up the abandoned unkempt path. The familiar sounds of the woods gently waking in the new day surround us. I paused, suck in the fresh air, and closed my eyes. As I opened my eyes again, I carefully look around the surrounding pine, mighty oak, and cedar trees, the birds fluttering through the majestic…

By Cristina Collazo

Read More

You Can Smell the Love

/

Only mom can generate this much love.

————

…pulled the glove-shaped pot holder over her hand. Opening the oven door she felt a rush of hot air against her face. It made her flinch and back away from the stove. The pumpkin pie on the center rack filled the kitchen with the delightful aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

She didn’t mind the crack in the custard filling, or the darkened rim of the…

By Robert L. Scarry

Read More

Inka’s Curse Part 27: Meal

/

…we’re getting ready to leave town, a young stops us. I don’t know how he knows me, but I don’t know him. He says he’s a fan of mines...

“A fan of what?” I ask confused.

“You’re exotic catches,” he snickered.

“My fishing?”

“You’re a legend in the fisherman world…”

“No way,” I can’t believe that but Titan seems to believe him.

“I know my finds can sometimes be rare, but those are completely fortunate.”

He doesn’t believe me. “No way,” he…


By Cristina Collazo

Read More