Short Fiction, Poetry and Classic Book Reviews
I slaughter today, that one day there may be peace, I steal today, so that someday all may share. I make the greatest sacrifice, I send you to your death, I free you from oppression, put a yoke upon your neck. You must go without today, that tomorrow there may be food, Trust in me,... Continue Reading →
I have a confession to make. I don't what number Superbowl we are up to. And when it comes to reading the year of copyright in the end credits of films, I can never do it. Yes, it's true—I struggle with Roman numerals. I don't say this to garner sympathy, and I certainly don't expect... Continue Reading →
For the next hour Victor roamed about, trying any last place he could find to make a sale. He went into the old Baptist church and suggested a metronome might be helpful for the church organist. The minister explained, in a rather offended manner, that Ethel kept perfect time, and he would not waste church... Continue Reading →
Victor stopped laughing. It seemed Dave was serious. "Wait," said Victor. "What are you saying?" Dave looked about the store; no one else was there. He put his hands on the counter and leaned forward. "No one talks about it much anymore. It's a big old mess that's never gettin' cleaned up. It's just better... Continue Reading →
Sustained unrewarded effort produces a hope-crushing effect. Years of exposure to it, coupled with an ingrained persistence courtesy of a family motto, had made Victor immune. So it was without the slightest discouragement that he strolled into a corner store following yet another afternoon of not making a sale. He wiped the sweat from his... Continue Reading →
It was a long morning. Victor sweltered beneath the unforgiving country sun as he trekked from house to house failing to sell metronomes. Doors slammed in his face, abuse rang in his ears, and guard dogs chased him off properties. An elderly woman invited him into her home, but no business was conducted: she had... Continue Reading →
"Good sir," said Victor to the owner, "kindly pour a shot of gin." The owner hesitated; Victor nodded to him; the owner relented. The three men watched the potent liquid flow from bottle to shot glass. "Now, Keith," said Victor, "this is a metronome. It keeps time, like a drumbeat. When I set the pendulum... Continue Reading →
Victor clicked open his briefcase and took out a shiny black metronome. He placed it on the bar. The owner leaned in for a closer look, wiggled his finger in his ear then shrugged. "What is it?" he asked. "This, my good fellow, is the finest tempo-keeping device known to man. It has a finer... Continue Reading →
Victor walked with a brisk step and a broad smile, both of which faded in seconds. Though it was only ten in the morning the temperature was already 35° Celsius, and its equivalent in Fahrenheit. Victor glanced up at the sun, which beat down on him like Keith Moon upon a snare drum. He noticed... Continue Reading →