Life
The Quest for Identity
In the heart of a bustling metropolis, amidst the noise and chaos of modern life, lived a man named Samuel. To those who passed him on the crowded streets, he appeared like any other face in the urban crowd. But within, Samuel was tormented by a profound quest—a quest for his true identity.
By Jenkin Collin3 years ago in Writers
Disorderly Conduct
When I reached the fourth grade, I found myself in Georgia in an inner-city school. As the only "white girl" there, except for my cousin who was in kindergarten, my school life was difficult at best. I'd get up in the morning, work the farm, then get dressed for school. I walked down the dirt road to the bus stop and spent the next 7 hours defending myself. Life was just hard. My parents had recently split and it landed us in poverty-ville USA, on a piece of ground my mother's family endearingly called a farm, even though we barely grew anything more than dirt and misery.
By Veronica Coldiron3 years ago in Writers
Future and Fears
Have you ever wondered what the future holds for us in just a few years? A few years ago, there was a common belief that by the year 2023, the world would be fully immersed in the digital age, marked by an era of wholesomely integrated technology. Fast forward to today, and we witness remarkable advancements in the realm of humanoid robots, with Sophia being one of the most prominent creations. However, the question that looms large is this: What if the entire world were orchestrated by a singular technological marvel?
By Belly_moon3 years ago in Writers
Microwave Toast
Reader’s Digest has my first gut punch, heartfelt writing piece published in their Best Life Stories book entitled “Microwave Toast”. It can also be found on Audio Books now. It was written several years after my husband passed away at the age of 58 from Early Parkinson’s Disease and a rare form of dementia diagnosed at the age of 49.
By Barbara Gode Wiles3 years ago in Writers
Casino Addictions, Memories
In the dimly lit corners of memory's labyrinth, there exists a relic of my literary infancy. A story, earnestly penned during my youth, beckons like a whisper from the past. It tells of a rainy day in a nameless town, of souls ensnared in the allure of a casino's neon-lit illusions, and of lives entangled in the threads of fate, or perhaps misfortune. As I revisit this embryonic creation, it awakens emotions I had long buried beneath the layers of time.
By ANTICHRIST SUPERSTAR3 years ago in Writers
From Innocence to Insight: Navigating the Nuances
In the soft glow of youth, during the tumultuous transition to a freshman in high school, I ventured into the realm of self-expression through my first ever written piece. It wasn't an assignment or a task, but a self-inflicted venture into vulnerability—a love poem. Raw and unfettered, it was inspired by a boy who unknowingly occupied a significant space in my adolescent heart. Every line, dripping with youthful exuberance, was a testament to the sheer intensity of a first crush. That poem, kept secret from its muse, was my first step into understanding the healing power of words: less about him, it was more about the cathartic act of liberating the whirlwind of feelings trapped within me. That was then—a time when my emotions wore no mask, and subtlety was a language yet to be learned. Today, I view the world through a lens that has witnessed more sunrises and sunsets. My writing has evolved, reflecting a richer tapestry of emotions. The unbridled passion remains, but it's tempered by a balance of grace and depth. Time has added layers to my narratives; love, once painted in the vivid colors of youthful infatuation, now carries strokes of understanding, patience, and sometimes, restraint. While my heart still beats with joy and optimism, it has also learned the rhythms of caution. Life's myriad experiences have taught me to tread wisely in matters of the heart. But alongside love's tales, my writings have also embraced the darker, grittier shades of life, not to brood but to acknowledge the duality of our existence: the beauty and brutality of the world's realities. From innocent scribbles in a high school diary to more nuanced tales that echo life's multifaceted journey, my evolution as a writer expresses my growth as an individual. My initial works were mirrors reflecting raw, unchecked emotion. Now, they are windows—offering glimpses into a world seen through matured eyes, yet never losing the essence of wonder. In retrospection, that freshman year poem was not just about young love; it was the inauguration of a lifelong romance with words. As I continue to weave stories, both light and profound, I embrace the transformative power of writing, celebrating its magic with every new tale spun.
By M Dannenfelser3 years ago in Writers
Flora
Autumn of 2008, I wrote a poem. It was elementary, yes, but it was also somehow mature. It depicts the story of a leaf, Flora. The poem relates to her as a ballerina, resplendent, and searching for meaning. I found her, Flora, nestled in the piles of many leaves that riddled that North East, in October.
By Jennifer David3 years ago in Writers
Down to the Nub. Top Story - September 2023.
Memories of my childhood are vivid but disjointed, like a movie trailer that flashes various exciting bits, but not in context and out of order. Thus I can't be sure which of the stories I wrote as a child was the first.
By Sonia Heidi Unruh3 years ago in Writers
My First Foray into Publishing Short Stories Online
First let me admit that I have a terrible memory. Because of my anxiety, my mind loves to focus on awkward and painful memories. The failures instead of the triumphs. How far back should I go? My elementary school scribbles were just glorified spelling and penmanship exercises. I mostly remember the short stories and essays I wrote for my advanced placement English class in the eleventh grade.
By Leslie Writes3 years ago in Writers
Blue moon: A rare astronomical Phenomenon dazzles the sky
In the broad canvas of the night sky, there occurs a unique and enthralling celestial occurrence that unfolds like a cosmic show. It's a spectacle that catches the interest of stargazers worldwide: the Blue Moon. On a recent Wednesday night, the year's closest full moon graced the sky, leaving spectators transfixed. This Blue Moon wasn't just an ordinary full moon; it was a Supermoon, making it look brighter and bigger in the sky. As Saturn made a brilliant guest appearance alongside it, those with clear skies watched an awe-inspiring cosmic dance. In this essay, we begin a quest to uncover the magic of the Blue Moon and the physics underlying its fascinating attractiveness. To properly appreciate the majesty of the Blue Moon, it's vital to know the philosophy underlying it. A Blue Moon happens when two full moons grace our night sky within a single calendar month. The rarity of this event adds to its mystery, appearing only once every 2.7 years. This celestial oddity isn't due to an actual shift in the moon's hue; it's all about the timing. What makes this Blue Moon even more fascinating is its classification as a "Supermoon." A Supermoon occurs when the moon reaches its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, known as the perigee. This closeness makes the moon look around 14% bigger and an incredible 30% brighter than a conventional full moon. It's as though the moon donned its best clothing for a great cosmic ball. Adding an added degree of cosmic splendor to this Blue Moon extravaganza was the presence of Saturn. For those lucky enough to enjoy clear skies, Saturn graced the night alongside the moon. This conjunction created a spectacular spectacle as two of the most famous celestial objects shared the spotlight. It's equivalent to having the world's top performers on a single stage. The last time we observed two full Supermoons inside a single month was back in 2018, making the 2023 Blue Moon a very exceptional occurrence. It's a reminder of the ever-changing ballet of heavenly bodies that has enthralled people for millennia. Our forefathers stared up at the same moon, and the grandeur of a Blue Moon would have left them in amazement, just as it does now. For those who missed this latest show, worry not. The next Blue Moon won't visit our night sky until 2037, but there's still plenty more lunar magic to come. Another Supermoon, albeit not blue, is scheduled to amaze us towards the end of September, marking the final Supermoon of the year. The cosmos continues to deliver its spectacular shows; we need only look up to observe them. What made this Blue Supermoon especially intriguing was its closeness to Earth. It swung past at a meager 222,043 miles distant, about 25,000 miles closer than its usual distance. This celestial proximity contributed to its heightened brilliance and made it a sight to see for sky aficionados everywhere. Imagine having a valued friend come, but instead of standing across the room, they're there by your side, filling your world with their brilliance. One of the outstanding elements of this Blue Supermoon is that it was seen from all corners of the planet. Whether you were in North America, Asia, Europe, or any other area of the planet, you had the chance to view this cosmic masterpiece. It's a reminder that the marvels of the cosmos are not constrained by borders or limits; they are a gift for all of mankind to enjoy. The fascination with astronomical phenomena like the Blue Moon is a tribute to our continuing connection with the universe. It reminds us that even in the rush and bustle of contemporary life, there is something fundamentally compelling about staring up at the night sky and contemplating the wonders of the world. It's a call to reconnect with the tremendous beauty of the world outside our own. As we say adieu to the 2023 Blue Moon, we look forward to future cosmic delights. Each night's sky presents a unique display, whether it's meteor showers, lunar eclipses, or the movement of planets. It's a reminder that the cosmos continues to amaze and inspire us. There's a feeling of expectation that persists, knowing that the universe has more in store for us, waiting to be revealed in its own time. In the domain of celestial occurrences, the Blue Moon stands as a sign of uniqueness and awe. Its recent appearance, accompanied by the splendor of a Supermoon and the companionship of Saturn, left an unforgettable impact on the hearts of stargazers everywhere. While we await the next Blue Moon in 2037, let us not forget the enchantment that lays above us every night, ready to be revealed.
By Cyril Lord3 years ago in Writers
