This is not a perfect tribute, but you were not a perfect father. I hope you found peace in death that seemed to slip over your clenched fists in life. In your absence, you missed Christmases, birthdays, graduations, and the birth of your grandchildren. In your absence, we found peace from the pain you indiscriminately…

At least once in our lives, we must challenge tired beliefs about ourselves and test our constraints. At least once in our lives, we must quit our jobs with no notice. At least once in our life, we should get unapologetically drunk on a Monday afternoon. At least once in our lives, we must wear…

Sunday Night’s Dream “Venti Iced Double Espresso Vanilla Latte,” my strained voice cracks into a faceless menu. No time to slice vegetables or to cook stew tonight, so it will be drive-through.  “Yes, I would like fries with that and a Whopper. With a Diet Coke.” I should make dinner for the kids, but I’m…

One of a Million “You know I love you,” he said, hand poised in mid-air. “I love lots of people,” he added, a smug smile pulling at the edge of his thin lips.  “We are friends, and I love you.” He loved me like a beige shirt. He loved me as if there were 15…

“Someday, when the time’s right, you’ll meet someone nice,” she said to me in placating tones, stroking my wild and tangled hair. “You are so nice; you just haven’t met the right person,” she cooed, her wedding ring snagging its strands. My heartbeat skipped, the bitter taste of bile in my throat. “Yeah, maybe,” I…

by Jennifer Kady Stanton I opened the door as music poured into the backseat, rolling over the thick upholstery, drawing me into her cocoon.  “I’m Levelle,” she boomed, her voice raised over the beat.  “What you want, baby, I got it/ What you need, baby, I got it”  “How you doin’ tonight?” Levelle tossed to…