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Claire Braz Valentine

POWER OUTAGE

Excerpt:
On the third day as the freezer filled with
Frozen Weight Watcher pizzas begins to
stink like something from another century,
I try to remember my great grandmothers
who survived without a beloved microwave,
or an upright vacuum, as hard
as that is for
me to comprehend.

ANCESTORS

Excerpt:
I want to write something wonderful
something brilliant,
but every time I try
I remember my ancestors
who couldn’t write or read at all.
I remember how they crossed this country
on foot all the way.

ASHES
(A cremation comedy)

Ashes is a play with two characters: Joseph and Annie, adult brother and sister. The play takes place in the living room of their deceased father, Timothy O’Malley. They have just returned from their father’s memorial service. Although they have suffered a terrible childhood, they have learned to cope between themselves even though they appear to have not learned to communicate with each other. Joseph is the quieter of the two and the peacemaker. Annie is more animated and although she appears to be more outward, depends greatly on Joseph. They have a great love for each other and during the play reenact the ways in which they did as children to solve issues and settle problems. This is a game they play. This is how they cope. This is how they love each.

Anthony Peyton Porter

Appreciation

Kindness

Ram Dass pats me on the head

Excerpt:
I was at an Occupy Maui general assembly meeting. Marianne Williamson was scheduled to speak later, and I had a good place to stand. The meeting began and people continued to arrive. I was enjoying myself…

Lacy J Dalton

“Slip Away”

Dale Poune

Reg Wemple

Margaret Garcia

Sad Girls & Other Stories, Fiction, Short Story Excerpts

Liudmilla Mullin