Living in a small town doesn’t make it easy to hide things. Thankfully, most people in this town are equally odd. I walked up to the register with a new gallon of liquid bleach and as cashiers do, Kathy made conversation in her thick Jersey accent.

“I swear you never see people buy a gallon around here you know? It’s always two or three ‘cause we’ve always got visitors. If you’re gonna save any p...

By Frankie R. Astor (@oswegosownimprov)

You’re probably depressed and that’s why you’ve come here. Well listen, I’m definitely better than you at this emotions crap so sit your sad ass down. It’s pointless being sad I mean I know I’m much better than you at just about everything, especially if you’re one of those New York idiots I’ve socialized too goddamn much with, but it’s important to realize...

Two go in, and one comes out

They smile and let the path lead them home

Just to find another friend

To go along.

This rhyme was told in schools often enough for children to dream about them....

It’s hard to be

Never first.

It isn’t easy being

Never second.

It is even difficult to be

Never third

Or fourth

Or fifth

Or even thirteenth....

The last sliver of sun

Just a slice

That’s what was left in the sky

It somehow kept everything bright

Despite not being able to give its all.

Still its light

Kept things aglow

Saffron smiled up at the sunset as he finished writing his poem. He’d been out too long, long enough for his fingers to begin getting cold. It was much easier to write out here alone, despite him still getting used to bei...

It hurt to sink back into the depression.

Fog seeped into my eyes as I saw her sink

Into the arms of *him*.

I couldn’t stay anymore.

I just had to sink....

Life is like a sharp stick.

It often comes out of nowhere and hurts you in a way you may not notice until it’s gotten worse.

She was a sharp stick.

She was once mine and now

It’s gotten too much worse

For me to say.

My heart is worn inside my jacket now.

It isn’t locked away

Nor is it worn on my sleeve....

I wish I had kept my memory of my dear Alice I can’t forget the day we buried her in the dirt with leaves and the tree she loved. She couldn’t imagine being buried without it or her precious lamb. I miss my lovely little daughter and her sweet smile with freckles that sort of sparkled. I can’t help missing her....

We leaned up against the wall, and I had no idea what was coming next. It felt more like they were holding us back. The grandmother clock started to tick backwards way too fast. The walls and floors started closing in. It get increasingly fast and progressively more terrifying. Deep breaths. We had to take deep breaths and finally- finally it slowed down but that didn’t change that it was closing ...

It wasn’t quite ready to be steeped. Katelyn threw an iron fish in the kettle after it finished boiling and mixed something thicker in along with the tea. She mixed it well and poured each of her guests a cup. “I hope you like it as it should go well with Miranda’s meat pies” Kate smiled politely at each guest....