There are certainly advantages and disadvantages of being the youngest in a family of six children; but being the only boy with five older sisters carries with it a whole host of challenges. For instance, I can honestly say I never used the single flush toilet in our three-story Victorian home until after my three … Continue reading A Very Smelly April Fool’s Prank by William Gilbert
Double Reverse by Ruth Ann Dandrea
April First, 2020 How would you feelif today when you finallyagreed to turn on your TV,computer, cell phoneto reconnect with a worldgone wrong, you foundthe news that COVID-19was all some pandemicprank perpetrated by…whom? Some world-wide web of supposedjokesters trying to teachus to fear or change ourwasteful ways? Thatnow we could get back—not to normal, but … Continue reading Double Reverse by Ruth Ann Dandrea
April Fool by Kathy DeLong
Before the story our family dynamic needs an explanation. My family had two sets of kids. There were the older kids from Mom’s previous marriage and the younger duo from the second, all brought up as one unit. It was stated to me many, many, many times that I ruined my older sibs lives when … Continue reading April Fool by Kathy DeLong
Take Salt, Take Sugar by Susan Jefts
Take this small spoon for salt—a tiny serving in morning for waking,and another for protection. Toss someinto the wind, spread some over yourwintery skin. Spring is just arriving—the windows will open and our eyeswill see far into what the world can be.But for now take this salt, and then,some sugar for the spring sun risingas … Continue reading Take Salt, Take Sugar by Susan Jefts
April Fools Day…a long time ago by James Howard
Tom and I had been teaching buddies for a few years, discovering early our unique sense of humor was usually a catalyst for trouble. We had been unceremoniously ejected from teacher professional development workshops for poking fun at the latest phonics trend, told unabashedly to not ask any more questions during inane faculty meetings, and … Continue reading April Fools Day…a long time ago by James Howard
Sole Survivor by Rob Sprogell
I was visiting my Adirondack friends at their winter home in Arden, DE, and I was with the kids while their mom got ready to go out to a fancy party. I suggested to the 6 yr-old that we play a joke on her mom by hiding one of mom's snazzy high-heel shoes behind a … Continue reading Sole Survivor by Rob Sprogell
A Spider’s Love by William Gilbert
The strange encounter with that spider, my cellmate and only companion, caused me to reconsider my idea of love. In 1982 I was a 29 year old photojournalist in Central America digging into the dark world of the drug cartel and the sex trade which was helping to fund their operations. I had just finished … Continue reading A Spider’s Love by William Gilbert
Wolfy by Jordan Magurk
he appearedone day in my fathers' new car8-legged and hairy he took up no spaceand was welcome to reside we offered shelterand warmth he trailed wisps of websand wonderas he roamed he stayed with usbut a weektoo short until he metan untimely demiseat the wheel
How to Make a Spider Your Ally by M. A. Phillips
An invisible threat lurks outside, microscopic yet bigger than I can comprehend. I tell myself that I'm safe at home with my daughter. I miss my students in the classroom, but I'm blessed with technology and tea in our cozy home, isolated from the world. The giant can't get us. It's become a mantra. A … Continue reading How to Make a Spider Your Ally by M. A. Phillips
