[Bio] Stephen Delaney likes to mix genres and forms. He tweets on writing as Stephen Delaney. (#924)

I write a story about a spider, but the spider escapes, landing with a plop on the floor. For days I’m unnerved, make no effort to find it. I accept it, in a way—the “black-banded legs,” “the swaying limp,” the moment it will turn around to show my own frightened face.

Jacques was the smartest student but not the best. His voice was loud and carried chaos. Chaos emerged from him like butterflies drunk on their own gifts, the swirling patterns of their wings dizzy in the light of morning. Aaron Rudolph #vss #microfiction (#925)

[Bio] Stephen Delaney is still waiting for a chance to use “scrum.” Stephen Delaney (#926)

They say they’re among us, that they’ve been hiding in plain sight for years. Jud says Jas is one of them (the burry lisp, the words like “guff” and “abeyance”)—a sure sign, I joke, he wants the blare off him. Now folks avoid me, gape as I hear poetry, sweet on Jas’s tongue.

The painter got her cheek's blush from a new rose, the curve of her brow from a laden pear branch. Luckily, the gardener didn't notice. #vss #microwriting #microfiction [Bio] Daniel Galef's first book is Imaginary Sonnets: danielgalef.com/book/ Daniel Galef (#927)

To my grandfather, Bronx-Russian, dirt was doyt, the cowboy serials I flipped to from the Yiddish radio The Vesterns. Words became voids. #vss #microwriting #microfiction [Bio] Daniel Galef's first book is Imaginary Sonnets: danielgalef.com/book/ Daniel Galef (#928)

[Bio] Donald A. Ranard's writing has been in New World Writing Quarterly, 100 Word Story, 50 Word Story, Vestal Review, Humor Times, Light, and elsewhere. His flash fiction story "5/25/22" was named one of the top 50 flash fiction stories of 2022 by Wigleaf. Donald Ranard. (#929)

“My Father’s Pocket Knife” Left open on the hearth— the hearth he made of river rock— his white bone- handle pocket knife. I leave it there, at least for now. I cannot stand to close it. Donald Ranard

[Bio] Frederick Charles Melancon lives in Mississippi with his wife and daughter. Frederick C Melancon (#930)

The top of the glass drink dispenser cracked, so Dad threw it in the trash. But a neighbor stole it, filling it with dirt to let flowers flow from the top in clumps of broken blooms.  Frederick C Melancon

Their therapist said, “No more social media.” Yet each night they got on—not to engage but to let the glow of someone else’s words bathe their face in light. [Bio] Frederick Charles Melancon lives in Mississippi with his wife and daughter. Frederick C Melancon (#931)

[Bio] Stephen Delaney writes short fiction, craft articles, and book reviews. His most recent story, “Hauntings (A Sutured Tale),” appeared in Miracle Monocle 🧐. Stephen Delaney (#932)

You call me “cold” then leave in a Jaguar. Now the water’s rising—sloshing against baseboards, swallowing the couch, lifting the square hatch to the attic. Air growing stale, stifling. As the peak looms I dive and suck in … can breathe when I remember myself. Stephen Delaney

[Bio] Camden Rose is a queer author who lives in the Pacific Northwest with her spouse, black cat, and collection of books and board games. You can find her online at camdenscorner.com. Camden Rose (#933)

I’m sorry, I can’t go out tonight. The bird calls. Even though I’ve fed its hunger, my phone lights up like a beacon, an omen, a prayer. “Time for a lesson.” I pick up my phone. The bird consumes, replaces my thoughts one by one. Las palabras beg me to stay, to learn. Forever.

“The Owl” by Camden Rose Camden Rose

[Bio] Donald A. Ranard's work has appeared in New World Writing Quarterly, 100 Word Story, 50 Word Story, Vestal Review, Humor Times, Light, & elsewhere. His flash fiction story "5/25/22" was named one of the top 50 flash fiction stories of 2022 by Wigleaf. Donald Ranard. (#934)

“So Much for the Red Wheelbarrow” so much depends upon a red wine glass filled to the brim beside the white cheese Donald Ranard

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