Fear, the smell and taste of fear, can be distinct. Where it may be different for everyone, I could describe my experience as unique. The pungent order of sauerkraut cooking on the stove is how I remember it. The taste, well, it nauseated me. Acrid, bitter, with a dash of pepper, made my tongue and ...

My brother swings open his office door, and a gecko scurries along. They trade looks. Briefcase slides off his sweaty palms, and he sits at the edge of the chair. What if she jumps on to me? What if she hangs from the ceiling to fall into my lap? I still remember that lizard. I ...

In the town’s village squareUnder the shady chestnut treeI silently rested thereAnd thoughtfully asked the old tree“Can you keep me safe here?Protect me from what I cannot see”       Away from loaded guns      Pointed at daughters and sons      Away from bullets and bombs      Meant for dads and ...

I’m always stopping short, butting against the glass. I know if I made a fist, a proper fist, and swing, I could shatter it. But every time, I only end up with my fingers leaving prints and streaks as I watch, afraid to be seen. It’s only my careful reflection that needs to be known. ...

I am the definition of insanity and a god of abandoned dreams. Glory, I’ve left behind. I extend my hands and roll my stone up mountains of good intentions and career paths. I have yet to reach the top of any of them. I’m finished. I fall to my knees and say, “I give up.” ...

I’ve always loved Halloween! So when I saw the black and red advertisement on social media asking for haunted house people, I applied without a second thought. “Sign-ups for haunters—50 bucks a night, free pizza, and scare the shit out of people.” I left a note on the chalkboard: Mom, gone out. Might not be ...

Grief and loss most profound Teeters on shaking ground Molten rivers of tears Erupt from latent fears Mouth silenced by a mask Pressured to take the vaxx Division, hatred, strife Slowly devalues life Media’s shame and blame Stokes embers into flames As depression taunts Loss of freedom haunts  Our dreams. Photo by Alex Dukhanov on ...

September 11, 2001, is a day Americans will never forget. Over three thousand people were murdered that day in New York City. A tragedy unlike any other we have ever witnessed. And while the world was grieving the loss of loved ones and strangers, a select few chose to cover up their own evil murders ...

My twelfth summer – the ocean of my innocence – cast an asteroid into my sea – pulling me down, like a milestone around my neck. Gigantic ripples broke the time barrier, touching every moment forward, etching every word wielded as a whip, like the rings inside a tree. The catalyst imploded the house of ...

Sammie stared out the window—he sat as still as a statue. Thoughts of the dark wall creatures oozing out of the cracks were unbearable. The rocking horse glared at him, and the teddy bear waited to crawl toward him. Toys that once gave him joy and happiness threatened to destroy him if he didn’t allow ...