Introduction

Dedication

For Gary Ross Cunningham (A writing buddy and friend) RIP: Jan 2015

Published by The Linnet's Wings, 2015

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher. Any person who does any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher's prior consent in any form or binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

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ISBN-13: 978-1515164586
ISBN-10: 1515164586

Summer Couplets and More Fine Work

A clock hangs in a café where I sip my morning coffee, its face adorned with bold Roman numerals encased in black circles. In its center, smaller clocks of varying sizes and colors display time through an artist’s vision. This piece invites you to step into a perception of time that blends past and present seamlessly.

Immerse in summer's essence with poetic couplets capturing its beauty and challenges. From dawn's melodies to the sunFs intense heat, these verses by Mari Lynam Fitzpatrick, Oonah V Joslin, and Ginger Hamilton vividly portray the spirit of the season through reflections, joy, and timeless warmth

Explore the evocative journey in 'Stones at My Feet' by Bill West. This poignant poem reflects on loss, forgotten memories, and the quiet solace found in nature. A powerful ode to moments and people lost to time, blending urban desolation with the gentle embrace of the natural world.

Fiction

Writing Short Fiction

Bruce Harris's “A Questionnaire Challenge" targets aspiring writers looking to commit seriously to short fiction. The article introduces a series of self-assessment questions to help writers gauge their readiness and knowledge of the short fiction genre before diving into expensive courses or ambitious projects. From reading habits to understanding submission guidelines, Harris's questionnaire offers a practical, introspective tool for writers to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

In this insightful interview, Jonathan Taylor, a novelist, memoirist, and lecturer in creative writing, discusses his love for short fiction, its challenges, and its unique rewards. Taylor emphasizes the art of compression, the importance of capturing intense emotions in brief moments, and the significance of reading widely to improve one's craft. He views short fiction as an independent discipline, rich in musicality and oral storytelling traditions, rather than a mere stepping stone to novel writing.

In Static by Alison Moore, Wilfred reflects on his marriage to Dorothy, who is now bedridden and battling illness. Wilfred, a man of routine, finds comfort in repairing old things, including the radio that first brought Dorothy into his life. As Dorothy dreams of travel and romance, Wilfred focuses on keeping their life in order, quietly cherishing the memories they've built, even as time and illness threaten to dismantle them.

Fiction: Buckert, Memi, Rodgers

The Unwilling Father by Kathy Buckert

Zelda and the Kettle by Samantha Memi

Me and Errnesto by Ken Rodgers

Fiction: Allen, Dean, Majumdar

His Candle Bright, My Fickle Flesh by Christopher Allen

The Ones by Tommy Dean

The Hideaway Bed by Shreyasi Majumdar

Fiction: Cunningham, West, Smith

This Cockeyed World by Ross Cunningham

Sailing the Prairie by Bill West

Where Have All the Flowers Gone by Amy N Smith

Poetry

Poetry: Joslin and Walters

In this editorial, Joslin revisits a childhood memory that intertwines with the verses of W.B. Yeats' poem, The Cat and The Moon. Through the eyes of a struggling young reader, poetry became a refuge, a place where rhythm, rhyme, and imagery offered comfort and escape from the harsh realities of life. Yeats' portrayal of Minnaloushe the cat and the ever-changing moon struck a chord, resonating with the author's own sense of isolation and longing for connection. As the author revisits the poem years later, its timeless themes of solitude, change, and the delicate dance between understanding and mystery echo the bittersweet complexity of growing up.

Akeith Walters writes a raw and intimate portrayal of solitude and yearning. Set against the gritty backdrop of a city stoop, the poem captures a rare moment of quiet reflection as the speaker leans against the iron rail, a cigarette in hand and a warm beer by their side. The night is heavy with desire, and each exhaled breath of smoke becomes a silent call, drifting towards a lover five stories above. Through WaltersF evocative imagery and poignant language, the poem explores themes of longing and the fleeting nature of connection, offering a glimpse into the quiet moments that punctuate a life lived on the edge. This haunting piece resonates with the ache of unfulfilled desire and the silent beats of a heart waiting in the dark.

Akeith Walters writes a raw and intimate portrayal of solitude and yearning. Set against the gritty backdrop of a city stoop, the poem captures a rare moment of quiet reflection as the speaker leans against the iron rail, a cigarette in hand and a warm beer by their side. The night is heavy with desire, and each exhaled breath of smoke becomes a silent call, drifting towards a lover five stories above. Through Walters evocative imagery and poignant language, the poem explores themes of longing and the fleeting nature of connection, offering a glimpse into the quiet moments that punctuate a life lived on the edge. This haunting piece resonates with the ache of unfulfilled desire and the silent beats of a heart waiting in the dark.

"Broke--20" by Joan Colby is a poignant reflection on the lives of iconic artists and writers who, despite their genius, faced hardship, poverty, and obscurity. The poem weaves together a tapestry of creative souls like Rembrandt, Poe, Keats, and Van Gogh, juxtaposing their artistic brilliance with the struggles that marked their lives. Each line evokes the haunting images of masterpieces and literary works, underscoring the tragic irony that these creators, who gave the world so much, were often left destitute and misunderstood. Through a somber, vivid portrayal, Colby explores the enduring theme of the artist's plight, capturing the bittersweet reality of creativity bound with suffering.

"Manna" by David Jordan is a meditative poem that captures the quiet beauty of early morning. The imagery of dew on leaves, barbed wire, and flowers creates a serene landscape, evoking a sense of stillness and peace. Contrasting the natural world with subtle modern intrusions--a passing car, a silent jet-Jordan highlights the resilience and tranquility of nature. The poem suggests a sense of nourishment and preparation, as if the morning dew and the heavy flower offer a form of sustenance or "manna" to both nature and the human world. This piece invites readers to contemplate the balance between the natural and the man-made, finding solace in the quiet moments that connect them.

"Summer Meditation" by Kathleen Cassen Mickelson is a lush and evocative poem that captures the essence of a quiet summer morning. After the labor of weeding, the speaker pauses to embrace the simple joys of the garden-the scent of irises, the thick morning air, and the soft, warm breezes of June. The poem evokes a sense of deep contentment and gratitude, as the speaker basks in the richness of the season. With its vivid imagery and reflective tone, "Summer Meditation" invites readers to slow down, savor the present moment, and find peace in the natural beauty that surrounds us.

Poets: Jordan, Dillon, Burn

"Raymarie" by David Jordan is a tender, nostalgic poem that delves into the innocence and wonder of childhood. The speaker recalls moments of solitary play, finding joy and a sense of freedom in nature and imagination. From climbing tall pines to pretending an old, broken motorbike could still take them on adventures, the poem vividly captures the boundless creativity of a child's mind. The unplucked apples and the sweet meadow serve as symbols of untouched potential and exploration. As the poem shifts to a quieter tone, it reflects on the solitude that often accompanies such moments of deep play, highlighting a sense of cautious awareness and introspection. "Raymarie" beautifully balances the joy of childhood with the haunting presence of solitude, celebrating the delicate dance between imagination and introspection.

"Dunoon Ferry" by Des Dillon is a nostalgic and poignant reflection on youth, memory, and the passage of time. The poem evokes a sense of wistfulness as the speaker recalls moments from the past, transported back by the sight of an old chip-shop sign and the sensory memories it awakens. With vivid references to the seventies--flared trousers, radio hits, and first loves--the poem captures the innocence and intensity of youth, contrasting it with the inevitable changes brought by time. The narrative intertwines personal memories with broader cultural touchstones, reflecting on the fleeting nature of fame and the bittersweet realities of life. Through its rich imagery and emotional resonance, "Dunoon Ferry" explores the haunting beauty of memories that float just beneath the surface, like a ferry on its own ghostly reflection.

"Just" by Jane Burn is a poignant exploration of longing and connection set against the backdrop of nature’s twilight. As the day fades and the suns final rays give way to the night, the speaker finds solace in the quiet companionship of the natural world-nestling among tree roots, warmed by the earth, and accompanied by the gentle movements of insects. The poem weaves together themes of loss, yearning, and the enduring hope of finding comfort in a loved ones presence. Through rich, evocative imagery and the interplay of light and shadow, Burn captures the bittersweet beauty of waiting and the deep desire for a love that remains just out of reach, urging a turn from the obvious light to the subtle wisdom hidden in the dark.