I Met A Man, A Most Remarkable Man

I met you at a time when the star of you was careening downward. Though in descent, due to illness, your radiance shone in your discussions of the band Rush, the literature of Chesterton, and your absolute love and skill at cooking. You were afraid of being an imposition, not realizing that giving me a chance to help you—during our fateful trip—was my chance to brush against your beauty, your deep, feeling heart. I am selfish; I want more. But I must wait, as your star has again swung into ascension, brightening this world even upon your exit.

For Tony Rome By Keith Hoerner

Miss Plum In The Bedroom With The Candlestick

Crime was common back then, and the law itself often criminal. Nobody was safe from the thugs prowling the city. It took constant and wearying vigilance to survive. If I happened to fall asleep, I’d wake up afraid. I think I was afraid she wouldn’t be there, peering out through a crack in the curtains. Why you here? I asked the first time she appeared. She just gave a fuzzy, fragile smile. The ambiguity was intentional. When you leave details out, it opens up possibilities for what can be – an ancient tree whose entwined branches support 34 brilliantly burning candles.

From Guest Contributor Howie Good

Howie co-edits the journals UnLost and Unbroken with Dale Wisely

Bringing Back The Dead

She gasped as he removed the scarf from his face.

"Don't be afraid my love, I'm here," he whimpered, choking back tears, "see me, see me for all that I am."

Silence. Gut-wrenching silence.

Anguished, she bowed her head. With one deep breath she finally let him go. "The man I loved is not in this room, I do not see him before me."

"You wear his face but he is not you, you are not he." She turned to the door, her lip quivered, her voice shook as she softly uttered their final exchange, "Goodbye darling, you're free now."

From Guest Contributor Jodi S. Ivers