Short Stories & Poems

In this section, you'll find a collection of short stories and poems created by writers from all over. Their work crosses a wide range of genres and topics. Be sure to check out the bios at the bottom of each story or poem to learn where to find more of each writer's work. If you are a writer and would like your work to be featured here, there are two ways to do it. Either submit your work for review or participate in one of the themed monthly contests. Please enjoy!


First Place Winner (June 2025) "In the Space Where a Name Was Erased"

I kneeled before the altar; my knees planted firmly on a red cushion that had been worn thin with age. Winds of incense slowly spiraled upward. Sandalwood drifted in with its calm aroma, merry to heighten the contrast of this ancient ambiance. To me, the smell is ancient, familiar in a way that drew something from the depths of my chest. Every spring, we gather for Taigong Ji. The ceremony is a rite held to honor our earliest recorded ancestor. The family comes together to bow, burn incense, and speak the names of those who came before, reaffirming the unbroken chain of lineage. I fought for this moment to stand beside these people-for the youngest in six centuries. I thought standing with them would make me one of them.

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First Place Winner (May 2025) "The United States Of..."

We are United,In grief,In struggle,In fear,Of the very government that leads us,The United States of Sorrow...We are United,In not life, but labor,In not liberty, but labels,Happiness, we can barely pursue survival,The United States of Lies...We are United,In poverty,In unanswered prayers,In racism,United in all the wrong...The United States of Suffering...We were United,By war,By slavery,By oppression,United by all the wrong...The United States of America...

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Spring Arrival (a poem)

Winter snow goin' far awayLike white clouds vanishing in dismayThe air is crisp, the sky is blueLight shines idle and trueGrass grows in radiant twilightThinking of the warming delightSpringtime snickers, happily, to the skyWhile looking down on showery mountain highWinds billow across blue yonder Life rests, effortless, in casual slumber

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