**********TRIGGER WARNING********** This story is fiction from the author’s mind, but themes contained within are the kidnapping of an adult woman, animal cruelty (forced dog fighting), and abuse (Physical and verbal). If such themes may be upsetting, please read with caution. ******************************************** Roscoe chews on a rubber squeaky ball while Shelby pets him and stares ...

Thirteen years ago we walked across a church stageNow, so many of us are deadIraq, Afghanistan, or from drug overdoses[Mostly drug overdoses]Some of them? farming or fishing accidents – ButMostly drug overdosesShe called me on the phoneCame down the stairsTelephone cord like a nooseDid you hear about William?Did you hear about Carolyn?Did you hear about ...

Content Warning: contains references to assault, drug use, death of a parent, and child abuse. When we spotted her, she sat in the corner. A tiny child holding a doll, she picked its poofed hair with the ferocity of potential future trichotillomania. Her skin’s patches of white and darker tan contrasted with the doll’s color ...

Recently I was asked to give an example of a loss of innocence in my personal life. As I reflected on what to share, I couldn’t help but think of all the different times in my life that chipped away at my childhood. There was one episode that stuck out above the others. I was ...