“Electronic Inquiry for a New Media Exhibit @ the Indian Embassy in Washington DC” by Manisha Sharma, 2020 Poetry Winter Contest Winner

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Photo by W W at Pexels  Born and raised in India, Manisha Sharma is a Jack Grapes Poetry Award, American Short(er) Fiction Contest semifinalist. Her work addresses feminist/ social issues across genres and disciplines. New poetry is forthcoming in Choice Words Anthology. The Fourth River, The Arkansan Review, Puerto Del Sol, Saturday Poetry Series, TAB, … Continue reading “Electronic Inquiry for a New Media Exhibit @ the Indian Embassy in Washington DC” by Manisha Sharma, 2020 Poetry Winter Contest Winner

“Bird Versus Glass” by Nicholas Otte, 2020 Fiction Winter Contest Winner

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Hank died three years ago today, which feels strange to write, given the argument we had last week.  It started as a simple chat but ended sour. That's just the way it goes when you talk to Hank, especially since the thing with the roof. Three whole years—it just doesn't seem true. I'd wanted to … Continue reading “Bird Versus Glass” by Nicholas Otte, 2020 Fiction Winter Contest Winner

“Inside, Crying” by Gail Marlene Schwartz, 2019 Fiction Fall Contest Winner

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*This story has content that some might find difficultor disturbing.* 10:30 a.m. Kelly bats her eyes at little Maeve as she pulls the empty bottle out of her daughter’s mouth. “We were hungry, sweet baby, weren’t we?” Maeve smacks her lips and Kelly dabs spots of milk around her mouth. “Time for burpies.” Kelly hoists … Continue reading “Inside, Crying” by Gail Marlene Schwartz, 2019 Fiction Fall Contest Winner

Susan Alkaitis poetry winner

“Pool of Light” by Susan Alkaitis, 2019 Poetry Fall Contest Winner

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The men stopped their truckand sprung from it when they saw mewalking near the underpass.They crossed the roadstraight towards me. My ears thuddedfrom the argument that set meout there, and it was blackout by then. I just wanted to go home. The men from the truck looked toughbut I didn't want to run.They walked behind … Continue reading “Pool of Light” by Susan Alkaitis, 2019 Poetry Fall Contest Winner

irina popescu winner nonfiction

“Soulstrings” by Irina Popescu, 2019 Non-Fiction Fall Contest Winner

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I sit on the couch reading for a long time, unwilling to move, feeling satisfied as I read a story about a Midwestern man who used his Domino’s app to order pizza for hungry families on a Wednesday night. I want to call her. I worshipped our ongoing debates about technology’s relationship to human kindness; … Continue reading “Soulstrings” by Irina Popescu, 2019 Non-Fiction Fall Contest Winner

“Meet Steven” by Chris Jansen, 2019 Non-Fiction Spring Contest Winner

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When the lunch bell rings we gather again, a clot of disheveled junkies in the artery of the hallway. A couple of new zombie faces have appeared, including the living-dead doctor and a girl named Melanie who wears the ubiquitous sweatpants and, instead of flip-flops, dirty pink Dearfoam slippers. She’s young and skanky-cute, like she … Continue reading “Meet Steven” by Chris Jansen, 2019 Non-Fiction Spring Contest Winner

“Lady Azalea” by Stephanie Joyce, winner of the 2018-2019 Winter Fiction Contest

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            Pete wrestled the wooden stepladder into the azalea thicket. Like him it was old. Unlike him it was getting heavier every year. Ducking, sidling, backtracking the ladder like a dance partner through the thrust and wallop of the branches, he headed for the spot he'd chosen. Right between the two oldest azaleas. He had … Continue reading “Lady Azalea” by Stephanie Joyce, winner of the 2018-2019 Winter Fiction Contest