Burn Book

The colors bled into the paper as the flames curdled the corners. Names, dates, crimes, it all melted into ash before their eyes, disappearing into oblivion. They all vowed never to speak, even in a whisper, what was written within its binding. Their sins no longer existed.

Most religions have a bible or a creed that is a resolute anchor of all that is sacred. For those lucky souls who inscribed their names into the burn book, their holiness was birthed out of that which was not recorded. Their spirits flew forever free, their futures untied to fate or destiny.

Whiskey On His Breath

Grampy came into my bedroom with whiskey on his breath. He had a bible in his hand, so it would be awhile before he left and I could go to sleep.

That night it was all about how Joe Frasier was never the boxing champion Ali was, and never would be. Sure, anyone would pick Smokin’ Joe in a street fight, but not in the “sweet science.” Joe had no body discipline, he beat the air. Corinthians said so.

Grampy passed on thirteen years ago. Each night I close my eyes and hope he’ll come reeling into my bedroom again.

From Guest Contributor N.T. Franklin

NT Franklin has been published in Page and Spine, Fiction on the Web, 101 Words, Friday Flash Fiction, CafeLit, Madswirl, Postcard Shorts, 404 Words, Scarlet Leaf Review, Freedom Fiction, Burrst, Entropy, Alsina Publishing, Fifty-word stories, and Dime Show Review, among others.

Extrapolation

Jesus converted water into wine. It's true. It's in the Bible. I don't know if the wine was any good. I mean, did he properly age the wine as part of the miracle, or did it taste way too new? Does it really even matter? I hear even experts can't tell the difference in blind taste tests.

In any case, it's my god-given right to drink and get behind the wheel of my American-made Chevy truck, so I'd advise you to step back into your vehicle, officer, or I might be forced to explain the second amendment to you next.

The Book Of Jordan

Abiasaph begat Hezekiah, and Hezekiah begat Jordan. Jordan married Immanuel, who bore him seven sons.

God looked down upon Jordan, and desired to test his faithfulness. God sent war and pestilence, killing Jordan's family, and smiting him with leprosy.

Destitute and alone, Jordan entered the holy temple, and begged God for forgiveness. "I know not what I have done, but I submit myself to the Father’s benevolent mercy."

God answered, "You are thinking of the New Testament God. You’ll have to wait a few hundred years to receive salvation. For now, I'm going to continue with the Old Testament retribution."

Genre: Biblical