Content: death

Summary:

###

Chapters:

Summary:

###

Chapters:

Summary:

Imagining possibilities portends endless beginnings. (Reworked)

Chapters:

Summary:

Is death the end? Or is it just the beginning?

Chapters:

Summary:

This a re-post. I didn't get a lot of views the first time around (only about 10 actually, it says 30, but at least half of those were me) so I was hoping to get some more feedback this time. I didn't change much. I fixed some errors that my original reviewers mentioned and I added a paragraph at the end. Thanks! This is my take on an expressionist-crime story about a dead man who wanders the world in search of his killer. It's part of a collection of short stories I'm writing between work and law school. Hope you enjoy it.

Chapters:

Summary:

####

Chapters:

Summary:

A little natural world occurrence observed and recorded. Comments welcome.

Chapters:

Summary:

Some years ago an acquaintance and his family moved into a high-crime neighborhood in a bad city. I visited once, and never went back. A week after my visit a child was killed in that neighborhood. The experience left me chilled at the idea of living in such a terrible place. This poem was a finalist in The Faulkner Literary Contest in 2012

Chapters:

Summary:

When the Demon Lord Azreal disrupts the balance of the Nine Realms, Alex Zane and Terra Duval must wage war against the forces of Hell to save the universe.

Chapters:

Summary:

Book Two of the Nine Realms Series - The Guardian has died. The Plane of Magic is free, but Order and Good are still under seige. Terra pushes her people to keep fighting while trying to deal with Alex's death. This is all on a first draft basis, and I hope you all enjoy. Any and all feedback is welcome!

Chapters:

Summary:

I read some poems recently by David Roderick where he seemed to take on the persona of other people as he created poetic self-portraits in their "voices". I tried to do this here, imagining myself as my brother who died some years back. There were a lot of false starts and abrupt stops before I was able to come to this version. Comments are welcome.

Chapters:

Summary:

A Vietnam vet meets an old Nazi at a wedding party.

Chapters:

Summary:

This will read 'dark' but it is more a question I have asked myself over and over. It is a true piece, my sister went to bed, with her loving dog beside her ... tomorrow a day to savor .. but due to obesity brought on my years of abuse .. she suffocated in her sleep.. the question I ask myself is this''"Does she know she is dead?" A cousin of my son in law died in his sleep due to drugs etc.. same question? Think of the question, not that it is 'morbid' as not really meant to be. Yeah.. it is short and you have to type 50 words!!! If not up to it don't! It is more a simple little release for me.

Chapters:

Summary:

Revised / appended: This story was inspired by a poem posted by Brosna11. It is the tale based upon a true account of a 9-year-old boy returning home from school one day to find his family's barn on fire and his father dead from a gunshot wound to the head. Any and all reviews welcome.

Chapters:

Summary:

Looking for general feedback, thoughts and nits, and whatever else you want to give. Who knows, maybe I'll do something with this someday. I posted this a few months ago, but the second half has been completely rewritten. Thanks a bunch!

Chapters:

Summary:

I've been terribly inactive on the site for various reasons and I know I've missed some great poetry as the days have slipped by. In a couple days I'll be spending some time dedicated to reading and reviewing and generally catching up. This poem has been churning around in one version or another for a few weeks. It seems to be settled now. Comments welcome.

Chapters:

Summary:

When I first joined this site, I wrote and posted a piece very dear to my heart. I have meant to revisit it and refine it to be as good as it can be. "Cool Breeze Blowing" is a love story where one party dies and I speak for that party. How he will remember and how time will heal. Well time did heal and love visited again.. only to find he will be losing his beloved to cancer .. why? To go through so much as his first partner died of ALS and now starting a new life and just moved into new home to find out his new beloved is going to die of cancer? When I gave Bill his copy of 'Cool Breeze' I whispered in his ear... "life has a wonderful surprise in store for you".. he did and now he is gong to have to go through tragedy again? Why? What do I say to him now?

Chapters:

Summary:

Nicklaus Fleischer dreamed of growing up to be a doctor. Few dreams, however, can remain pure under the shadow of the Reich. On his journey to become a doctor and soothe his troubled home life, Nicklaus discovers the terrible steps his nation has taken to fight a war on its own citizens. The government changes the value of 'Do No Harm', and with it, one man's dreams. This is a fictional biography set during a grim time - a tale of life, death, love, and loss that is not for the faint of heart. It is primarily aimed at adults and young adults. This is a multi-chapter piece. I would really appreciate it if grammatical and spelling issues could be pointed out. I am more interested, however, in the workings of character development and the flow of the story. All critique is appreciated, though. This story is available in its entirety at Amazon.com via Kindle! The paperback version will be available soon, as well. http://www.amazon.com/Bedside-Manner-ebook/dp/B008EYY4UQ/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1341330431&sr=1-4&keywords=bedside+manner

Chapters:

Summary:

How do you feel, as a reader, about a poet quoting another poet as an introduction to a new poem? I did it again here. It seems that when an inspiring group of lines sends me to the keyboard I should at least tell the reader where the idea came from. Comments welcome.

Chapters:

Summary:

--WARNING!-- Japanese anime and manga based. May at times look abit too fast and not beliveable. I promise I will work on that. Atarashi Sekai {meaning new world in japanese} is about Gotoh and Miyu, a young couple, who are forced out of their universe as it was destroyed by mysterious force that can create and control black-holes. The young lovers now have to constantly move between parallel worlds and find a way to solve their problem or everything in existance will be gone... Are they truly up to the task? ---IMPORTENT!--- This novel will be revised as I write it and get comments.

Chapters:

Summary:

It's a little humor and a little horror. Not sure what genre to put it under. Anyway, I'm putting together a book of short stories from the zombie, halloween, and other short stories I've published here for various contests. I do have to warn you that you shouldn't read a couple of the zombie stories with a mouthful of milk. I never write serious zombie stories. I'm thinking I'll break the book down by sections: Missing Parts, Dark Hearts, and No, I'm Sane, Honest!

Chapters:

Summary:

A nomadic tribe discovers a Tree that grows a healing fruit, which cures everything short of death. Greed, murder and civil war follow.

Chapters:

Summary:

The chase and executing of Bin Laden.

Chapters:

Summary:

Observations from somewhere important. :) Sorry Ron.. Couldn't resist.. I think with this piece it rather speaks for itself or it doesn't.

Chapters:

Summary:

Teens dealing with the untimely death of a peer and being forced into an early maturity of emotions and mind.

Chapters:

Summary:

A short history of promising quarterback Joe Roth, his early death, and a final victory. Any feedback OK.

Chapters:

Summary:

A woman walks into a bar....I wrote this for the Kenyon Review Fiction Contest, maximum length 1200 words and I'm right up against the limit. Reactions, please. Also, note that the deadline for the contest is Feb.28. Good opportunity for flash fiction writers.

Chapters:

Summary:

I am an avowed atheist, but the specter of death can sometimes send me running back to my Episcopalian roots. My most fervent wish as I held my dying dog in my arms last March was that I might see her again one day. Can there be a heaven for someone like me? This story is a rumination on the kind of AfterLife I might wish for, sans God, sans Hell, sans fear. (I could have selected Religion & Spirituality as this story's genre, but that seemed a little pretentious.) I do not wish to hear anyone's comments on my atheism. I welcome all comments on the writing.

Chapters:

Summary:

Violetta Maresca, a widow with five children whose husband dies suddenly and unexpectedly finds a new life with the adoring Alfred. his is a short piece (less than 1200 words) I would like to submit to the Kenyon Review contest. Any and all feedback is appreciated.

Chapters:

Summary:

Summary: This story is about Anna Ryan who dies and goes to Heaven, and finds that it is a lot different than what she expected. I chose humor for the category, but it also includes social commentary from an iconoclastic point of view. It is from a largely "Christian" point of view, but I have included many other spiritual and religious factions as they seem to fit in with American society. If you are deeply religious, you likely won't appreciate this story - so avoid it. I'd like feedback on structure and mechanics. I have edited this six or seven times, but you know how difficult it is to edit your own stuff. Please point out the areas I need to focus on. Oh, and most important, your reaction to the story is also appreciated. I wrote this story sometime after the ethnic cleansing of the Serbia-Croatian war which really hacked me off, as does war in general. The complete story is two chapters. Changes have been made that reflect the comments of reviewers

Chapters:

Summary:

Another poem from an old notebook that I re-thought and re-worked. Comments welcome, as always.

Chapters:

Summary:

This was written some time ago and recent events prompted me to re-work it and make a few changes. Comments welcome.

Chapters:

Summary:

This is my entry for the sports story contest. I can remember this day like it was yesterday!

Chapters:

Summary:

My take on a Faustian love story that I wrote for a little girl who loves fairy tales. This is my first installment in a series of short stories I am writing.

Chapters:

Summary:

I have absolutely no experience in writing, but a lot of my friends say I have some talent. I am aiming to get this book published and perhaps make some money for Law school. Please send me your constructive comments. Thanks. PS. If you think of a better name for this story, let me know!

Chapters:

Summary:

A child is discarded, left to die in a dumpster.

Chapters:

Summary:

Deathwalker is a supernatural tale of the assistants of Death who try and help user the souls of the deceased to the River of Life. This is not as always as easy as it sounds. Especially as the war of Heavens rolls on around them. First off I can always use a second set of eye for any grammatical errors. But I would also like honest review and thoughts on the subject matter.

Chapters:

Summary:

Some days you have only yesterdays

Chapters:

Summary:

This is a (short) short story I've been working on for a writing class I'm taking this semester. Any comments welcome.

Chapters:

Summary:

Notes sometimes carry long messages.

Chapters:

Summary:

I worked on the rhythm of this piece for some time. It's one of my faves, but I want the reader to tell me if I've hit the right note.

Chapters:

Summary:

a painfully short love story...

Chapters:

Summary:

Cosmetic alterations of seemingly all body parts, including the most private of privates, suggests the proverbial Fountain of Youth is becoming more than just a global obsession. It’s apt to become an unforgiving phenomena of delusion.

Chapters:

Summary:

Looking around, it seems so easy for some to perpetuate the past. For some of us, repeating what once was provides little impetus for future discoveries.

Chapters:

Summary:

This is obviously a poem. I would appreciate feedback about whether it works for you and if so, why or why not. Does it create feeling, a mood, a picture, what. Thanks.

Chapters:

Summary:

I have made some changes due to some excellent contributions from filliam, tina_dc_hayes and deb... Any and all further feedback very welcome...

Chapters:

Summary:

A simple theme.

Chapters:

Summary:

I do not want this to be corny so be very hard on me. This is a theme I tend to write a lot on and I truly don't know why. I am haunted by the pain our vets have suffered down through all the wars. I have witnessed the destruction of families and friends trying to understand what they cannot nor will they ever be able to.

Chapters:

Summary:

No literary feedback as this is more of a statement. I can't get flowery or try and rhyme etc etc ... This is about a young man ... my son-in-law cousin who was like his brother died in his sleep two nights ago. He leaves a wife and two young children. My sister also died in her sleep a couple of years ago. This piece is for Jonas. It raises a question I have always had! Do they know they are dead? If one is dying and knows it they go through a process of dying. They know the end is nearing. A simple but complex question

Chapters:

Summary:

Well, it's as good a night as any for stirring up a hornet's nest... This subject is extremely complex and, in my opinion, has no "right" answers. Perhaps the most valid ones are deeply personal. I tried to envision and describe what it would feel like to receive news of my own impending death, especially the aftermath of helplessness brought on by fear of pain, suffering, and loss of control and dignity. For me, the central issue is one of empowerment and choice. Comments about the poem or its subject matter are welcomed. **And, by the way: this poem really WAS circular. The format here warped it into an oval ** So sorry.

Chapters:

Summary:

My new husband and I love totally different music. He is a bass player of Jazz.. while I can enjoy it... he doesn't really embrace my simple need for 'gut reaction to music.' Music has been my escape through abuse and sorrow. I live within music. He lives within correctness of music I think. These are simply raw emotions I expressed after we both listened to some music. He wasn't stirred by mine and I was left wanting by his.

Chapters:

Summary:

This is a tribute to my mother - a lovely woman possessed of a beautiful soul.

Chapters:

Summary:

To quote Edgar Allan Poe - Is all that we see or seem but a dream within a dream? I don't fully understand why I am so fascinated by the concept of multiple realities, but find myself returning again to the subject. Since its first posting, this story has been dismantled and and reconstructed. Hopefully its flow and comprehension has improved. Your comments are invited and appreciated.

Chapters:

Summary:

Thanks to everyone for the Very Constructive critiques of the original Daniel. You may see your suggestions incorporated into this re-post. My sincerest thanks go to each of you. Of course, once again I turn to the multi-talented people on this site asking for a review of this version.

Chapters:

Summary:

I can’t help but wonder, is the coming and going of the tide a parallel. The cradle to the grave.

Chapters:

Summary:

A wealthy doctor who travels the world finds contentment when he returns to his home, and a lot more.

Chapters:

Summary:

This is a subject that has haunted me since I was a small girl with two uncles in the Korean War. One who slept with a gun under his pillow so we had to be careful waking him. He would break out in a sweat and moan. Most likely reliving. Which is worse? Dying on a battlefield or the walking dying who live each day on the battlefield they left so long ago. What are the 'trues reasons man goes off to battle?' I would thing they are varied but I would venture they had no clue what they were getting into. Nor did they truly understand who and why they were killing. To question your government was simply not done. Those who did lived in fear and isolation. I have seen the walking dead. On street corners, silent in wheel chairs unable to meat the eyes of the onlookers. For what will he or she see? Disgust? Pity? Any true understanding how devastated these souls are and how for some, death would have been kinder. There is no way I can understand nor fully see into the heart and life of one at war. I can't. But I do recognize the horror when I see it reflected and the total lack of life in blank staring eyes who long ago gave up the will to get anyone to understand.

Chapters:

Summary:

"The tests reveal you have a tumor in your pancreas..." These are the words we hope and pray we never hear, yet these were the very words the Gastroenterologist spoke as Max and I waited for the "but" followed by the miraculous news that made him the exception. This was not to be, however, and so we were referred to an Oncologist, and we went home knowing Max was dying... On the way home silence filled the car. Suddenly, Max shouted, "Pancakes. Pancakes and bacon." I just looked at him not knowing what he was talking about. "I don't think I need to worry about my cholesterol any longer." Max said with his boyish grin. "So I want pancakes and bacon for breakfast every morning." "That is exactly what we will have!" I replied struggling to hold back my tears. Max was not one who was fond of being coddled. "Give it to me straight, no sugar coating." the once Marine aviator told the doctors. At home, after the first several weeks of tiptoeing around the reality of his impending death, I was gently reminded, "No sugar coating." This was my first attempt to accept the reality of my beloved's fate...

Chapters:

Summary:

"I read the news today, oh boy" Lennon & McCartney

Chapters:

Summary:

This work is an attempt to explore the emotions and questions that arise from human tragedy. It raises the questions, but not the answers. While the questions raised are specific to a situation, similar questions are eventually asked by all. //God is defined in the broadest sense--and I hope it causes thoughtful introspection only. There is also a bit of "Eastern Philosophy" in this, as we are all affected by our experiences--and I spent 19 years in Japan and four of my seven children were born there.// A thought to consider; mustn't God loves us all?(regardless of our specific religion, or lack thereof). This is the first in a the first in a series of poems designed to provoke thought.

Chapters:

Summary:

This suicide poem of a Samurai is an attempt to underscore the cultural differences between western culture and eastern culture. The west is largely Christian. In Japan Christians amount to less than 3%. The culture is largely agnostic--Buddhism and Shintoism are the primary 'religions' although they are more philosophies than religions.//Imagine not believing in a supreme being and contemplating the end of your life as an absolute ending, by your own hand?//This poem is the creation of the author's imagination and is not at all authentic. I'm not Japanese but I've lived in Japan for nineteen years over a thirty five year period from the mid fifties to the late eighties. I graduated from a Japanese grade school in 1964.//The Japanese have a deep sense of honor. They are particularly sensitive to anything that reflects negatively on themselves, their family or their company. Most suicides in Japan are over issues of honor.//Personally, I'll never forget receiving a hand delivered wedding invitation on Monday, only to have it have it retrieved the following Monday, because the father of the bride opposed the marriage, and executed his wife, son and daughter with a Samurai sword, and then took his own life. The groom was the President of a large Japanese distribution company.//This poem, and many other cultural differences and nuances, are what inspired me to write the novel Executive Samurai.

Chapters:

Summary:

■“What the caterpillar calls the end, the rest of the world calls a butterfly.” ~ Lao-tzu

Chapters:

Summary:

I don’t know if there's an afterlife, but it would be nice to fly away.

Chapters:

Summary:

"""

Chapters:

Summary:

Those of you who saw the first version may barely recognize this one. I made it more true to who I am, a non-believer. And I think I added the rawness that everyone said was missing. This is something I hope to publish, so go ahead and rip it to shreds.

Chapters:

Summary:

Autumn sometimes takes more than summer from us.

Chapters:

Summary:

A woman I respect a lot said that I should write a story about my elders. So I have written this piece about my father, just to share. I have no idea if I'll clean it up and try to publish it or not. While I'd love to hear how people react to it, you don't need to tear it up. Be gentle please.

Chapters:

Summary:

Ivan's first night out as a new cabbie takes an unexpected detour

Chapters:

Summary:

i wrote this when thinking about a friend who's just found out her brother only has a few weeks to live...he's only 53

Chapters:

Summary:

Those who have watched the category change a few times, my apologies - I'm not sure where this fits in because it is *not* my story. I have not yet editted this so that it is an African-American piece. But it came to me this afternoon, and I wanted to put it down before I lost it. Fact is, there are a lot of things technically wrong with this piece. The Quartmaster Corps are actually morticians! Also, it is short. I will be expanding on it eventually. For now, just rip it apart. And whatever you tell me, I will fix.

Chapters:

Summary:

A little witch girl is caught in a maelstrom of magic and menace.

Chapters:

Summary:

Thanks to Mr. Harold Bloom poetry critic and author for this idea. He quite likely wouldn't like this little poem but that's okay. I sometimes disagree with him as well.

Chapters:

Summary:

Comments always welcome. This is how we feel when we lose someone close.

Chapters:

Summary:

My writing penchant is humour, so this one is unusual for me, but had to be written. Whether I should have posted it on tNBW is another matter. I find the saturation promotional advertising of up-coming tv programs to be extremely irritating. One in particular that was doing the rounds really p'd me off. As I lay in bed one night trying to sleep I got quite incensed. I could not sleep until I had grabbed my laptop computer and wrote down what was bounding around inside my skull. This is the result.

Chapters:

Summary:

Just days ago, Madelyn Jacobs thought not getting into any of her top three colleges or snagging the guy who serenaded the summer stars were the biggest nightmares in her life. That was before being raped by her best friend’s boyfriend. That was before being put in a coma by the jealous bitch when she misinterpreted the scene. That was before trying to function after waking up all broken and torn, only to have a demon or something bust into her bedroom and tag her as The Keeper of some freakin’ list.



When the first person of ten dies in her presence, that’s way weird. The second time, it’s bloodcurdling. She can't avoid people, she tries. She can't run, she tries. An unseen hand always ushers her to the next demise, randomly shows her the list, in windows, in mirrors, on scraps of paper, even behind closed lids, and makes her feel more powerless than ever. And the sweet singer she loves now stands at number seven. As tattered as she is, can she find a way to break the curse before others die and the lover of her heart is gone forever?



*Strong language

Chapters:

Summary:

This little poem has been percolating in one form or another for a couple of years. Easter seemed like an appropriate day for it to appear. Comments welcome.

Chapters:

Summary:

This work is from the novel, Corporate Samurai "love begets hate, trust begets betrayal, lust leads to death". It attempts to convey the emotions and thoughts, in song form, of a woman Samurai to the one true love of her life--who is also a Samurai. This song is written at a time when she suspects their relationship will not be sustainable, as her lover comes from a much inferior heritage than her own--something her family will not accept.

Chapters:

Summary:

This is an old poem circa 1987 that my wife recently unearthed from an old, forgotten diary. This is somewhere in between a poem and a short story. I plan to include this, along with "Bane" in a gothic werewolf novel I am currently working. I am seeking any and all feedback. Thanks for taking the time to read, and hopefully, review as well.

Chapters:

Summary:

Feedback welcomed

Chapters:

Summary:

I just did some tweakin' and would love any feedback or suggestions on this poem. I had the most trouble with the second stanza, but kinda think I like it now, maybe; I'm going for a staccato, choppy sound with 'are plucked or hewn', so I'm wondering if that works or not. Your help is always appreciated. :)

Chapters:

Summary:

Since you've hung in this far, any comments on the second part of the story are welcome.

Chapters:

Summary:

A poem in the form of a song for Haiti... No reviews are needed as only my own way of handling sadness I feel watching the horror... Not a critical piece of writing. Just heartfelt feelings that keep racing through my head. So little distance between Haiti and our own shores. How in God's name was this allowed to happen. Not the earthquake but the very conditions that led to so many deaths.

Chapters:

Summary:

I try to encourage any and all feedback. I realize this poem is cryptic, so here is the meaning of this poem for those who are interested: My mother died last year, so I was the one grieving in this poem. My wife and I decided to have a third child after my Mom's death. I didn't actually want the third child until I lost my mother, which changed my mind. It seems that I have been to several funerals of relatives and friends lately and it forced me to think of my own mortality and how short life is. My decision to have another child was born out of my grief for my mother and my realization that children are the only way to extend oneself into the future. My wife and baby boy are both fine. Little Noah Elisha was one day old when I wrote this poem. Tanka is defined as follows: "Haiku is always written in 3 lines. Tanka has an additional 2 lines of 7 syllables each with a line space after the Haiku section." Also, I am following the Japanese traditional rule that long vowells count as two syllables, or onji.

Chapters:

Summary:

A Compulsion Obeyed.

Chapters:

Summary:

When Maggie Bernett returns to Bonaventure Cemetery to visit her dead husband Clem, she has an experience of a lifetime.

Chapters:

Summary:

No feedback neccessary, I just felt like writing this after recently losing our dear black Lab, Jet. I miss him.

Chapters:

Summary:

I wanted to draw a comparision. The short life of a butterfly and the life span of a child. A child born in the desert of a third world country.

Chapters:

Summary:

A story about loss and gain.

Chapters:

Summary:

***Updated on 4-22-2009 with edits. Thanks for all the feedback so far!** 19-year-old Diane Macauliffe's dreams are haunted by a walking, talking skeleton--and that's the least of her worries! First, she must survive basic training at Fort Devon's Army Base. With an inspection looming, she and fellow med-tech trainees Jack and Susie have been assigned clean-up duty in Devon's hospital morgue, which is rumored to be haunted. Jack comes up with a plan to smuggle in beer so that they can drink while they work, risking expulsion from the Army if they are caught. The three friends meet Edgar, a creepy janitor with a dark past who often lurks nearby. Edgar becomes trouble when he discovers what the young trainees--who have dubbed themselves "the morgue drinking club"--are up to. Is the morgue really haunted by ghosts, or merely by someone of flesh and blood who wants to keep them away? Diane must also face the thing she is most afraid of--the repressed memory of the way her father died. Along the way, she learns that she is not alone. After all, everyone's afraid of something; some of us are just better at hiding it than others. This is a young adult novel for readers ages 14 and up. I would like feedback on what works in this story and what doesn't, and how it could be made better. I think the characters are solid and I'm happy with the dialogue (however, please feel free to disagree--one agent commented that he thought the female characters sounded too old for 19, but I think their dialogue rings true. I'd be interested to learn what other writers think). I think the plot needs tightening, and I'm concerned that there may be too many times in the book where the characters are just talking--are these scenes boring? Also, I suspect that the plot may need more tension to drive it forward--maybe more creepy scenes with Edgar and Diane? Finally, does the plot go off on too many tangents? Any suggestions and feedback on these and other aspects of the book would be welcome.

Chapters:

Summary:

My father suffers from Lewy Body Disease. Most people have never heard of it but it is similar to Alzheimers. Up until recently it had affected him physically rather than mentally. He decided about a month ago that he wants to die. He has gone downhill quickly since then. I went in to see him before going to Europe. He refuses food a lot of days but that day he asked me to feed him lunch. It was sweet and painful at the same time. I changed a couple more things. Just small ones. I had to put this away for a while and then come back to it.

Chapters:

Summary:

The grottos of New York City can be a terrifying place for any twenty-five year old, especially for a recent Ivy League drop-out, especially when you’ve been spoon-fed caviar since the cradle. In his final year at Amherst, Ethan Elliot—privileged heir to the QuikClean dynasty—flees New England, abandons a promising future at a top financial firm and moves into a loft on the outskirts of Williamsburg, Brooklyn in hopes of finding something “greener.�? What he finds is anything but. Instead, he’s hurtled far from the boroughs of New York on a life-altering, cross-country, roller-coaster ride into the bowels of Middle America with Jules and Wolfgang, his just-as-lost tour guides, each of them towing their own trunk-full of emotional “drag-age.�? They take off in a derelict Chevy Chevelle expecting to find Jules’ deceased biological mother, Lisa; themselves, and the world they once knew. What they don’t expect is to be taken hostage by a schizophrenic family member that none of they have ever met. However, it’s not until they come upon Lisa’s Law: an edict of good will penned by the namesake to “make a long-lasting impression on at least one other life, for the better�? that the central theme begins to surface. The Law of Lilies is a character driven, coming of age story about forgiveness, survival, and our redemption as a human race. It takes the reader through Ethan’s slapdash, and often times frightening view of today’s America. But more than simply a story about a character’s fruition; at approximately 60,000 words, it’s a challenge to the reader to make the world a more beautiful place, regardless of the ugliness of one’s past. Thrid round draft. Looking for any advice: creative, technical, what have you.

Chapters:

Summary:

"I Know You By Heart" takes an extended family through the death of its matriarch and then through the formalities of the mourning period. This premise seems very mundane I suspect, but no doubt you know from experience, that no mourning period for anyone, or any family is like any other. All members of all families have unfinished business, hidden scandals, fearful secrets that create unwitting behavior. Each character provides harsh but horribly true information revealed for the first time. In “I Know You by Heart,�? all of these elements float about uncontrolled and the family appears to run amok. As adults, we have learned that reasonably responsible people often respond to crisis in irrational ways. This particular family grieves, begrudges, punishes and begins to love again over time.

Chapters:

Summary:

This story for teenagers deals with grief and finding closure after the death of someone close. I wrote it not long after my mother died and I think, to some degree, I probably wrote it to try and gain a different perspective. I would value any feedback, thank you.

Chapters:

Summary:

Any and all feedback welcome!

Chapters:

Summary:

I wrote this thirteen years ago, the day my mother died. I think of poetry the way I think of art, it doesn't matter if you love or hate the work, but it's WHY you love or hate it. The artist is looking to stir an emotion, and that's all I ask.

Chapters:

Summary:

Being only able to imagine the loss sustained by Mishmont (Michelle)recently, I found myself deftly reminded of Dali's imaging of the eternal. Trying to ground my imaginings with words--that hopefully convey the condolences felt--I was next compelled to re-read a few chapters of Michelle's heartfelt dedication to her life partner. The lyricism of her writing drew me into my musical instrument of choice, a grand piano lost in a fire, and in its rather inordinate representation as one of my greatest losses (following that of my parents a few years ago). I was finally struck by the memories of the piano's ability to lift my spirits, and because the painting of Dali's hung behind it, the two impressions came forth as one. Knowing your love of music, hopefully my piano memories as metaphor will prove to offer a bit of solace in you time of grief. Wishing you peace. Odin

Chapters:

Summary:

This song is dedicated to my recently deceased mother. I wrote it as a testament of my grief and despair. I plan to rewrite this as a traditionally metered ballad some day. As usual, ANY and ALL feedback is appreciated and desired, so please take a bit more time and review while you view.

Chapters:

Summary:

Facing the end, forgotten moments surface. (Revised 4/10/09)

Chapters:

Summary:

Children... Innocence.....Questions..... Promises.. Mockery Answers? Why?... Man's Need to block realities with beliefs?

Chapters:

Summary:

any and all feedback welcome

Chapters:

Summary:

This a true story from 1985. everything is factual. Nothing is made up or exaggerated. Any comments you care to make are welcomed.

Chapters:

Summary:

The death of a church pianist and music teacher doesn't mean her music will die.

Chapters:

Summary:

Warning: this is a little on the messed up side. This is another poem that one of my "characters" wrote. He is deeply traumatized, 22 years old and has pychotic breaks/flashbacks. I don't want to give too much away because this is from book 3. The character has constant suicidal thoughts, but is unable to act on them. I'm really trying to work on refining the poetry style, becasue I've never written poems before.

Chapters:

Summary:

What are we to make of life when it takes so many forms?

Chapters:

Summary:

My Goddaughters grandfather passed away two hours ago. He leaves a huge hole in their hearts.

Chapters:

Summary:

A Message From Those Who Died In One War To Those Who Are Dying Today. The futility of war and power of greed.

Chapters:

Summary:

The contortion and control of what we the public see and here by the right winged controlled media. Murdock and his control. Lack of news thats affects us as a nation.

Chapters:

Summary:

I'm trying to capture a memory, a feeling. What needs smoothing?

Chapters:

Summary:

An open letter to my brotha is a response to looking around my community and seeing too many young men dying from violence.

Chapters:

Summary:

What do you get for a Mother who has everything?

Chapters:

Summary:

What legacy will you leave behind?

Chapters:

Summary:

I changed the genre of this piece to poetry instead of a short story.. I thought too long for poetry but prosetry works and was also suggested by jb.. Plus I have learned, poetry can be long! A true love story that we all would hope to experience. I knew both parties and dearly loved them both. They taught me what love should be and I have never experienced. We lost John to ALS not so long ago. I wrote this as a tribute to this beautiful man. I tried to climb into his soul and tell him what he wanted to say to those he left behind. Especially his partner. I only pray I did him justice. Since this loss.. the remaining partner met someone and knew love again. Also knew tragedy again as only a year or so into the relationship one died of cancer so Bill's journey to peace again lies ahead of him. Of all my work this is the one piece I do want published so am hoping for any feedback that would guide me to this end. While I may not believe in 'heaven?' I somehow do believe all who have left this physical world are but a 'breath away.' Why my love of chimes and my sharing them is a big deal for me. When I am no longer in this 'physical world' many who have chimes from me will know, I am but a breath away also. If you have already reviewed this and read it again.. post anything you think might be improved in a forum? No need to review again.. I am republishing for new members who haven't read it yet.

Chapters:

Summary:

Life in the South circles and swarms me.

Chapters:

Summary:

This piece is presented solely to encourage thought. The questions asked-I suspect, have been asked since the emergence of conscience, thinking mankind. Obviously there are no definitive answers to these questions. However, as death is truly the only inevitable, universal experience that all creation experiences, perhaps it's worth asking these and many other questions. If nothing else realizing that your questions are shared is of value, isn't it? At least that is the motivation that prompted this poem. It is the last in a series of five poems that started with 'Why God?'

Chapters:

Summary:

This piece is only an attempt to explore some of the continuing, unanswerable questions that face mankind. The stated answers are only intended to cause the reader to think. Obviously these questions have faced mankind since conscience thought became possible.

Chapters:

Summary:

THIS IS A DEDICATION TO THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO MAKE THE FINAL SACRAFICE TO PROTECT US ALL and especially to one man who inspired me to write this poem, you will never be forgotten, Wayne.

Chapters:

Summary:

Xuxiki you have inspired me again with your piece "together forever."

Chapters:

Summary:

This is the first draft of The Erstwhile Hearts Guild Chapter 3. This story is coming to me sort of haphazardly,(hence no Chapter 2 yet) but I take it with me everywhere. Any feedback is helpful. Thank you in advance

Chapters:

Summary:

Taking a page from Poe...shades of The Tell-Tale Heart and The Black Cat.

Chapters:

Summary:

There's a tree outside my bedroom window. Betwixt Fall and Winter, when it has lost all its leaves, it projects quite the horrific image...this is my attempt to capture what I imagine.

Chapters:

Summary:

Reflections on death...What will your legacy be?

Chapters:

Summary:

This poem was based on a true story of two drug addicts found dead outside s 'shebeen' after a Morphine overdose.

Chapters:

Summary:

The free world they came to find turns out to be something else.

Chapters:

Summary:

It is shaped like Mediterranean island, but may also be seen as a flight...or zigzag fall...my myth laced story of being human.

Chapters:

Summary:

I normally don't approve of qualifying a poem, but because this was a rather large departure from my normal approach, I thought I'd say a few words about its genesis. This poem chose to write itself (my pen tends to have a mind of its own sometimes). It veered away from the very personal to explore what major elements make up life's experience; the impact birth, dreams, and dawns can have on one's anticipation of death one day; and the way endings beget beginnings in the ever repeating cycle of life.

Chapters:

Summary:

This really came out of nowhere. I was just letting my mind wander, and thoughts of my past floated through my head, along with thoughts of a situation that has been my companion for the last 17 months. I had to reach out to my family, from whom I have been estranged for the last few years, for some possible assistance. I guess this sort of echoes my life with my sisters.

Chapters: