20250710

The Soiled Banner

by DW Davis

Limp, damp, motionless, no longer stirred by the zephyr of freedom, the flag hangs motionless. Once it fluttered in the breeze, snapped in the wind, and flew proudly over the Republic for which it stands; a Republic not always worthy of such pride. Founded on conquered land stolen through genocide, built with the labor of an enslaved race, and nearly torn apart by the Civil War ending the enslavement. It survived external enemies, overcame internal strife, and survived all challenges until he came. The enemy within dealt the blow. The blow that soiled the banner forever.

6S

DW Davis's writing reflects his memories growing up along the North Carolina coast. He left the area after graduating high school and traveled halfway around the world, collecting experiences which shape his stories. Now back in eastern North Carolina, he enjoys bringing characters to life whose adventures take place in his favorite part of the world.

20250708

That’s All

by Trish Saunders

Sometimes I wake in silence and don’t want to walk through another day. I’d like to sleep deeply, like a bulb in winter. Then I’ll hear something. The sound doesn’t matter, though I prefer a bluebird or rain over a door slam. That’s all it takes. I find some clothes, make coffee, go to my job.

6S

Trish Saunders doesn’t get nearly enough time to hike nearby trails or even walk in the woods, but she does have juncos, robins, and flickers in her yard in Seattle. They occasionally fly into some poems.

20250707

Whiff

by R.K. West

Television taught Della that she smelled bad. Friends were secretly cringing. The problem was her breath, or feet, or some neglected territory in between. She swallowed supplements to dissipate digestive gasses and began using a fiercer soap, body-neutralizing spray, and hair freshener. The house stank, too, and needed several little devices emitting pleasant aromas, plus scented filters for the HVAC system and vacuum cleaner, while the car received fragrant capsules in its air vents. Another way Della made people cringe was her new habit of constantly sneezing and scratching, but fortunately, television told her which allergy pills were fast-acting and non-drowsy.

6S

R.K. West smells clean and fresh.