Top Stories
New stories you’ll love, handpicked for you by our team and updated daily.
Gossamer
"Murray! Wake up!" He loved that period between waking and dreaming. To him, it was like entering another dimension; more of a dreamscape than dreaming itself. There was an otherness to it that he wanted to grasp and yet deeply respected the fact that it could never be his totally. This is what gossamer was; flighty and light, a wisp of smokiness, an idea suggested but not fully revealed, a slit in cloth, a copse in the wood.
Rachel DeemingPublished 8 days ago in FictionA CLOSE ENCOUNTER
Stars twinkled brightly in a moonless sky, reflecting in the calm waters of Lake George in the Adirondack mountains of upstate New York. It was a warm August night, as we laid back in the boat, marveling at the magnificent Milky Way. Dark skies made the stars more brilliant at this time of year, especially during a new moon, causing wonder and enchantment. We never tired of stargazing while floating on water, a truly immersive experience.
Jon H. DavisPublished 8 days ago in FictionCapturing Magic
In the world of photography, timing is the key to everything. While skilled compositions and technical proficiency are undoubtedly crucial, the perfect lighting can create the perfect photo. Nowadays, we can determine any light ourselves and are no longer dependent on any natural light source, thanks to the developed technology. We can turn every day into a night by using the right filters. And we can illuminate every night to be seen as a day. A typical process, especially in the film industry.
Krishan MubasharPublished 8 days ago in PhotographyBlossom
A dead past does not put a halt to a new future. A year later, Kaffy, a highly intelligent, creative, bookish, and preppy Nigerian-Canadian 15-year-old girl was released from juvenile prison. She was arrested and charged with petty theft and assault, and was sentenced to a year in prison. Her sentence was supposed to be 6 months for stealing a lollipop, a chocolate bar, a pack of playing cards, and a bag of Cheeto's cheesies from 7-Eleven, but she received another 6 months for kicking, punching, and hitting another female inmate across the face during an altercation in the canteen.
Talia DevoraPublished 9 days ago in FictionExercise In Moderation
I try to exercise everyday, If I don’t my muscles can stiffen up. If you over due the exercise, muscle can cramp up. Moderation is my key.
Mariann CarrollPublished 7 days ago in LongevityFeeding the Eclipse
Every dream that comes true Comes with a price, Like this newborn infant In my arms at the hospital, Putting herself between me and the world.
Rebecca MortonPublished 5 days ago in PoetsThe Dangling Bead
My life is splashing before my eyes, as I precariously suspend and prepare for the end, the consumption of my Self and identity. I know that gravity will be the victor in this struggle. Like a pendant, slipping from the chain, the tension has caught me in this moment, bestowing one last gift of reflection. I cling desperately, questioning my purpose. Searching for comfort. And I remember…
Leslie StavenPublished 5 days ago in FictionPatch of Wonderment
There comes a point in time when you realize that time is your forever. Which of course you already knew but the span of people is setting in as well. At this point you’ll remember the small things, except they’re the big things to them.
Clinging to Childhood
The playground is empty, as it should be past sundown. There is a warm breeze, and I can see everything despite the late hour. What time is it, anyway? It could very well be past midnight. I can never keep track of time, especially in the summer. A prickly piece of popcorn hides like a stowaway in the left cup of my padded training bra. I stuffed the tissue in last minute— a decision I’m beginning to regret, based on the events that are unfolding rapidly before me. To my left, laying non-chalantly on his back, is my date for the evening. He is two years older, could probably grow facial hair if he wanted to, and drives a secondhand Honda. He may as well be a Man. I, on the other hand, feel like a fraud with my too-short short-shorts, sparkly lip gloss, and makeshift push-up bra. I keep my arms pinned to my sides as I feel the dreaded circles of sweat beginning to manifest on my brand new Abercrombie top. I cup my elbows with my hands and stare down at my hint of cleavage, praying that the tissue doesn’t pop out like a white flag surrendouring my lack of womanhood.
Marti MaleyPublished 9 days ago in FictionPower of Wisdom
As we all know, Birbal was not only Emperor Akbar’s favorite minister but also loved by most of the commoners. People used to come to him from far and wide for advice on personal matters.
Ainy AbrahamPublished 9 days ago in ChaptersDo I Remember
Ask me in December after the leaves are gone and the rains have begun, when above us floats a gray silk sky, thick in the middle
Andrea CorwinPublished 7 days ago in PoetsThe Gen Z Entrepreneurial Revolution
It is hardly debatable that the world has always been run by a bunch of aging dinosaurs, mostly male, who refuse to allow the younger generation to bring about changes. Politicians and leaders everywhere refuse to release the reigns of creativity and leadership until they are dead or dying. It is time to give the young a chance to revolutionize and change the entire landscape of their existence. Those of us with one foot in the grave, so to speak, should wake up and realize that we are not the ones who will be living in the world in the years to come.
Novel AllenPublished 8 days ago in WritersA Lady in Red
Beware! Beware! Heed my tale! Don’t let the same fate befall you as those who fell before you. Don’t make the same mistake as those who have fallen for her. Beware! Beware!
Mother CombsPublished 8 days ago in FictionGo Ahead, Ask!
This little ditty is for my friend and fellow creator, Babs Iverson's Unofficial Challenge. Here's a link: And here's the poem:
Dana CrandellPublished 6 days ago in PoetsThe Joy of Giving
Funny story — well I got a good laugh! Most of my followers know I’m about to set off in a couple of months to explore this beautiful country I live in.
Colleen MillsteedPublished 6 days ago in ConfessionsThe Fish Song
The room didn’t smell like disinfectants. Its fragrance seemed light and not overbearing. A soft mixture of lavender and mint permeated the space. No beeping machines or any tubes hooked up to four-year-old Kaleeka. Her cacao skin seemed to glow from the light over her head. The family, save for one and the doctors and nurses exited the room like a trail of saints showing their last vestiges of regard.
Skyler SaundersPublished 7 days ago in FictionMetamorphose
-(Word unscrambled: METAMORPHOSE) - To say a thing aloud is to give it teeth and claws- surprise roommates. The first can tear your heart
Penny FullerPublished 9 days ago in PoetsHow the Harvest Mouse Came to Suisun Bay
A long, long time ago there was a family of harvest mice. Mice are common, but these were unique – born to those who had lived in the salty, marshy bay for many generations, these mice ate and drank from the sea as well as the land and rivers. For generations, there were only the southern families, scattered along the marshes of Corte Madera and in the San Francisco Bay (U.S. Fish & Wildlife, 2013). One family, however, would undergo strife and conflict before reaching a whole new world. What became of them after is another tale entirely – but this is how their story begins.
Taylor InmanPublished 9 days ago in Fictioncherry
the cherry trees weep in pink. the concrete cracks in jagged edges. tears dissolve the barren spaces like acid.
ASK ME IN DECEMBER
Celebrating my third year on Vocal with my 301st story and an unofficial challenge! Yes, a challenge! Doing my happy dance! Are you ready?
Babs IversonPublished 10 days ago in Writers