Evadora’s Temptation by Grace S. Gage (art by Shannon Bacon) A turquoise thumb nail plunges past the cardboard tab of the wine box and assisted by the glittered nail of the index finger retrieves the spigot. A single twist, and the inky red wine pulsates into the stemless wine glass suspended by the other set…
The Great Disconnect (or caught in the Net) by Ron Davidson (art by Shelby Moore) When we look back at some of history’s greatest achievements, will we so fondly regard the “Net” as one of them? An idea of sharing infinite amounts of information across an interconnected network conceived by great science fiction writers and…
Layers by Lauri Lemke Thompson (art by Mary Arneson) The intricate design, yet naturally flowing beauty of a pink rose. Who thought of such a thing? Petals upon petals, overlapping. Such are these Ozark mountains When one overlooks their rounded shapes – Hazy blue hill upon blue hill, arranged with grace In layers, Like petals.…
The Gate Test by Dave Loftin (art by Katie Rodick) Buying a new cow can be a daunting experience. Where did she come from? Where has she been? Will she fit into your program? Can she raise a good calf? Will she be gentle and easy to handle? All of these questions are good to…
American Spirit by Dustin Snavely (art by Chris Boyd) We are all watching the fall of the U.S. empire; an empire never designed to be one. The United States was born from self-sovereignty, built on courage and conviction. The spirit of America lies in its bold ability to reject the common sense ignorance of the…
PTSD: The Parent of Disease by Jody Johnson Godfrey, FRS (art by Sarah Hebert) For years, I wrote health columns for several publication conglomerates but, of late, I have come to realize that in writing about different diseases, I failed to go “backwards” enough in order to progress “forward.” However, in my defense, there is…
Toes by Jenn Parks (art by Melody Courley) Nine years that summer, my best friend and me Meandered the wheat fields adventurously. He always in blue jeans and I, a sundress, Never in shoes, despite parental requests. He laughed as I chatted with cows while they stood And he pretended to battle like he was…
No Wine for Ismenos by Anthony Cirilla (art by Janelle Patterson) The river was clear to the bottom. The rocks resting on the riverbed were worn smooth by the eternal current, through which small fish darted like unaimed arrows. Between the banks and beneath the reaches of the alder trees, a keelboat floated slower than…
Dr M by Michelle Waters My kind-hearted, friendly old doctor retired, like so many have recently, which is the reason why, earlier this week, I was sitting in the examination room waiting to meet yet another new specialist. Because this doctor recently joined the practice, I googled her to find out what I could before…
Above, original artwork by Carla Davidson, inspired by Water to Red by Rachel Riutzel. Presented during SOTO June 2019 Writers Artists Night. Water to Red by Rachel Riutzel What is it that we refuse to see? Why does the world face the same predicaments Clinging to their history? Society is fuming, mankind up in arms…