By: Fran Schumer             Some time ago, when I was a young mother, a woman in my neighborhood told me that every day at about 2 p.m., before her daughter came home from school, she would masturbate. If her husband, a doctor, could leave work, he would come home, and they would have sex. If not, she’d manage things on her own and then nap for an hour before her daughter came home from school. I had insomnia at the time, which was how we got on the subject. I had tried to nap, and to masturbate after speaking to her, but I was not very s ..read more

By: Chloe Min Hesitation From the start, I warned you I would leave, Yet your sweet soul made me hesitate and stay. Your hope that I’d remain caused my heart to grieve, When I let you go, I was filled with dismay. ### The Halt of Spring The sun sinks in the west, My heart heavy in my chest. Nature is blooming all around, Yet now I am nowhere to be found. ### Rainbow Parachute The rainbow parachute, a whimsical flare, Thrown into the sky, captures the air, Descends upon us, sparking giggles and awed stares, A beautiful pair that becomes rare, Leading us to eventual despair, For nothing else cou ..read more

By Nicola Vallera It’s the craziest day of my life, and I’m heading into the department stores for Christmas shopping. I wasn’t planning on buying anything for anyone. I’m thirty-one, my folks are gone, and my relatives are memories. Thank goodness for that! I’m trying to get myself a laptop—the 205. I’m not even sure what to call it. The ad was confusing. It’s a quantum supercomputer that becomes a robot? Sounds strange. Anyway, it’s supposed to be a-m-a-z-i-n-g. It can sense your mood and help you with all sorts of computer-related tasks. But it’s pricey—like ten grand pricey. That’s not exa ..read more

By: Erik Priedkalns There is a Japanese woman carved into the side of a mountain, on the face of a granite wall. The wall is deep in a Niigata Forest, close to the Sea of Japan. She sits high in the middle of the dark, grey, stony face. Above her, the rock face ends forty meters up at the top. Below the Lady, the cliffy granite keeps going down and vanishes under the cover of thick, richly green trees. Her face is calm, but serious and watchful. Her legs are loosely curled under smooth rock thighs. Her long hair falls around her breasts, and she leans on one elbow. At first you think she was s ..read more

By Taylor Dibbert He’s settling into His business class seat On a flight heading From DC To Doha And then He’ll fly to Sri Lanka, A long way To go and He’s feeling So grateful For this seat. ### Taylor Dibbert is a writer, journalist, and poet in Washington, DC. “Invictus,” his debut poetry collection, was published in January ..read more

By Davide Risso The first time I glimpsed it, we were in Valles, a village in the Dolomites with more cows than people. An impressive cloud of white smoke was blowing from a green chimney. That was all I could see. The rest was hidden by the pine trees. I kept staring at it. All throughout that afternoon and in the evening that followed. What was it? Why was I drawn to it like I was? When I asked Mom, she made a pinched face, like De Niro’s famous expression, but then she followed my finger and understood. She looked to Dad, who shrugged his shoulders as if to say, “she asked you, not me!” And ..read more

To improve your sleep quality despite carrying a few extra pounds, there are several practical steps to ponder. You’ve got to understand the link between your weight and sleep quality.  It’s key to establish a consistent sleep schedule, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and practice good sleep hygiene. Investing in a supportive mattress will make a world of difference and regular exercise can’t be overlooked. You should also think about practicing stress-relief techniques and, if necessary, explore the use of medical sleep aids. Don’t hesitate to consult with a sleep specialist t ..read more

By: James Aitchison See how a life can wander, unaware of its true path. All beings aspire to be eternal. Eternity is within, discovered in the silent soul. Hear the Voice that speaks untiringly, words of peace and purity. Honesty is the key to self and soul. Master the self, unlock the soul ..read more

By: Victor Ogan When the universe thought of us… or did it think of us? Did it plan us piece by piece like a puzzle, tinkering with every algorithm of our genetic code till it nodded in satisfaction at what it had made? … or did it just spew us out like splashing varying colours against a canvas and praying that something decent, something human would come out of it? ‘We are not mere accidents’, you have sworn. You tell me about the digestive system, about our endocrinal glands, our complex brain, heart, stomach, a complex interlay of cells that need each other to function. ‘These things ..read more

By Reese Scott Hey Kids Don’t listen to them Don’t believe them They are dying They are miserable All the plans, dreams are no longer Here They are left Drinking gin and tonics Cigarettes Bald and fat With a vagina That is no longer there’s I’m 55 And I’m one of them But I promise not to lie to you I will protect you With guns that no longer fire Bombs that no longer explode I am empty But I will try to save You I’m sorry ### Reese Scott is originally from New York. He has published short stories, poems and plays ..read more