humanity

Piles

“Okay, how about this?” “Uh-huh”” “Twenty thousand, plus this little black book.” “What the hell are you talking about?”

Authentic Me

Defining a Vocal Tradition

One Month in ... Looking back over the last 30 days, from twenty-nineteen plus one to twenty-nineteen plus two. What have I achieved?

12 Year Old Entrepreneur Tackles Real World Issues

At what age does greatness manifest itself in a person? Does it happen when we experience an act of injustice play out before our eyes, or when we see something miraculous-like a rocket leaving Earth for the first time, or is it simply implanted within us at birth? Rooting itself, spreading through our veins? Blossoming as we age, ripening with life experience? For some, I believe it manifests much sooner than others. The ability to see the world for what it is and what it could be. The calling to want to be a positive change for your community by bringing people together equally. By standing up for what’s right in the world. Trying to help everyone around you feel welcome, appreciated, and happy. Kumei Norwood sets the bar for all young women in the generations to come with her views on racial equality, feminism, art, and entrepreneurship at the ripe age of 12 years old. 

An honest mistake

“There must be some mistake. I only worked there for three weeks. This can’t be right.” The finance administrator did her best to maintain the unicorn-perkiness expected in customer-facing service roles but Anita could distinctly hear the forced smile in that sugar-sweet soft tone.

Business as Usual

Monterrey, México The warehouse is deafening for anyone within earshot. It’s always cold and always drab. Martín works as a machinist for a U.S. parts manufacturing company. He had hoped his position here would be a stepping stone but, six years have passed and his situation was officially stagnant. He wasn’t without prospects, however. With a background in diesel mechanics and two years vocational training, he was hopeful for better things to come.

The Path Of My Career

Even before Mr. Gautam showed up at the Happy Elephant Nursery School, he sent a servant to confirm his appointment for his granddaughter's admission. That afternoon at one o'clock sharp, Mr. Gautam came to the Principal's office, along with his daughter-in-law and two-small-children, a four year old little girl, the prospective student, and her two-year-old brother.

Orange Wine

It had been set in my diary in seafoam green ink at that point in my journey with the orange wine I’d begun referring to my schedule as my diary, not because I was British, but because my comings and goings and what-have-yous had become quite secretive, mainly to me to meet at the Olive Garden at noon.

In Case of Loss

Daniel had known that they were kicking him out long before he was meant to. After 10 years in foster care listening at closed doors was Daniel’s primary way of staying alive- he wasn’t giving it up now. When the back door slammed shut he looked up from his drawing, and crossed to the window. The foster parents he’d known since he was eight were headed across the field to the barn and something told him he wanted to hear this one. His friend Ben was kicked back on the bed reading Daniel’s comics.

A Little Force

It was a normal day when the letter arrived. A young woman was returning to her apartment after a rather uneventful day at the little bakery where she worked. The young woman had short, wavy hair that was dyed a blush pink, and had bangs that almost covered her eyes. She wore circular glasses with a gold frame, and behind those gold glasses were dusty green irises. The woman’s skin was pale as can be, with many small, circular scars dotting her legs, each one discolored and almost purple. The scars were all from mosquito bites. Her outfit was simple, a yellow hoodie and jeans, along with a little black backpack hanging off one shoulder. People called her Rosemary.

The Reaper

She did it to herself. She ruined her own life. When did it start? When did everything start to go wrong? Was it when she moved out of her parent's house into the big city with aspirations of starting her own shop?

How I Blew My Shot at 20 Grand

Could you imagine losing the opportunity to win 20k? Well if you’re me then you don’t have to use your imagination. It really happened. I blew it; the opportunity of a lifetime. We all know twenty grand isn’t so large of an amount to quit one’s humdrum job and begin a leisurely life as a reclusive author (Don’t judge my dreams and I won’t judge yours!), but it is a sizable amount that could be life changing. I, along with every other vocal plus member, sought this prize and very well believed myself able to obtain it. I think it is fair to say I stood an equal chance of winning as any other fledgling writer on the site. My work stands no grand testament to the advancement of the literary arts (yet), but I know I imbue everything I write with passion. I want my work to reflect who I am, what I’ve learned, what I’ve yet to understand, and most importantly I want my work to entertain those who read it. I believe that to be my downfall in this entire ordeal.