Soldier-boy sat on the bottom step, his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. He watched his father tie his shoelaces with care, pulling them tight against his ankle before twisting them into loops. His shoes were boots, heavy, dark, and leather. Soldier-boy wore similar boots, only his were suede and a … Continue reading SOLDIER BOY by Tesni Jenkins (1st place, Oct20)

Dermot at 15 When people described Dermot, they started with the stutter.  He knew that when he walked into the classroom late one morning, that Chas had been doing an impression of him, but he let it pass.  He didn’t cause a scene or challenge him.  He knew that even if he had won a … Continue reading WINNING by Rachel Robbins (2nd place, Oct20)

Dawn slaps him around a little. I'm awake! He shouts at the sun, accepting sweet numb nothing ain't returning. I'm awake, he mumbles to himself as he slides off the park bench. Not a sliding off exactly, more of a ploy to trick gravity into gaining momentum with the purpose of standing up. He succeeds... … Continue reading A SUMMER CAROL by Guilherme Ribeiro (3rd place, Oct20)