i

lnk/Lianne VanBennekom A Magazine of the Arts Published by the Students of Grand Rapids Junior College

Acrylic/ Eric Parbel Staff

Poetry editors Sean M. Shea Steve Herron

Fiction editors Jim Goodspeed Dennis McGarry

Freshman English editors Andrew Stegman T.J. Rogers

Art editors Eric Parbel Stephanie Fisher

Photography of Art Barb Kinsey

Art Advisor Nancy Clouse

Advisor Walter Lockwood

Ink/Kathy Turlington Contents

Front Cover/Ink/Lianne VanBennekom 1. Acrylic I Eric Parbel 2. Ink/Kathy Turlington 4. Watercolor/LfWa Poll 4. Mixed Media/ James Harlan 5. The Golden Age of the Key/ T.J. Rogers 5. Army Brat/AT.L. 6. The Best of Both Worlds/Marie Turner 8. Photography/ Tammy Lee Sutton 9. Pencil/ Kathy Turlington 10. It's the Last Night/Pa/ McKeage 10. Pencil/ Todd Smith 11. Open Season/ Richard W. Fetter 12. Tempera/ Valerie Carpenter 13. Wild Garden/ T.J. Rogers 14. The Gift/ Betsy Koning 16. Watercolor/Zinaa Poll 16. Watercolor/A^af«v Sullivan 17. Not This Time/^rw/e/i Whitman 17. I'm Sony I Marie Turner 17. Photography/ Marie Walz 18. Watercolor/v4/wo« Neifert 18. Photography/ Tammy Lee Sutton 19. The Long Way Home/J!/. Rogers 22. Pencil/ Valerie Valentine 23. Suicide/Marie Turner 23. The Once Grand River/Steven James Herron 23. Tempera/Stephanie Fisher 24. Photography/Dav/c/y. Bryant 24. Photography/Z)av/'rf 7. Bryant 25. Shoes to Fill/Dan Kroupa 26. Tempera/Stephanie Fisher 26. The Blanket/ Afary Southern 27. Photography//ercny W-'boa' 28. Pencil/£>e6/ Schreiber 29. The Expedition/Tzw White 31. A Bad Marriage/y//M Goodspeed 32. Ink/Ben Perrin 32. Untitled/T.L. Sutton 33. V (Essence)/Sean M. 5/jea 33. Acrylic/£Wc Parbel 34. Watercolor/Genevieve Cadet 34. Falling in Love/Sharon Moerler 34. Old Friend Winter/y/w Goodspeed 35. Bicycle Evasion/ Tea" Villaire 35. Untitled/ 7Vacv Jackson 35. Grounded Plane/Kathy Randolph 36. Photography/JoAnn Sterling 36. Love and Strangers///™ Goodspeed Back Cover/ Photography /Jenny Wood mm

Watercolor/ Linda Poll

Mixed Media/James Harlan The Golden Age of the Key by T J. Rogers Ma finally gets hostile at my whining And chucks me the key Swinging from a dumb trinket. "If you crash my car, It's your ass! And replace the gas you use!"

I hug her to shut her up and Jog out to the rusty olive Malibu.

I creep around the neighborhood until I'm out of her reach and I blast that steel Till my toes get cramped. Turning corners on two wheels Her hips do a swag She likes to dance. Army Brat BLAST!! by K. L. I slam on the brakes in front of Babe's house. Hold the horn down till I see her. Army brat She bounces out still fixing her hair. short and fat that's me. Leans on my door. I can see her belly button Peeking at me through her tits. Army brat She asks me where we're going, tossed around "Cuz my parents want to know." attention getter I'm class-clown I pull her in through the window And ball the jack but Giving her yard a whiff of rubber. just in this city "They'll get over it." I tell her 'cuz I ain't pretty As I nibble on her neck and drive on Into the young night. come the next class I'll kick some ass One hand on the wheel and reign again The other down Babe's panties. One socked toe changing the screaming radio channels it happens that way The other one crammed in the gas. a brat leaves everyday One eye on the road and a new fighter The other two looking for pigs. moves into the ring And the man on the full moon Is smiling at me! Army brat short and fat 1 mouth-off to the teacher cuss words are really silent pleas do they reach her The Best of Both Worlds by Marie Turner

There we were, Scott and I. We has stopped at the Memories of that phone call were haunting me Mobile station to pick up a bag of ice, but because we had stronger than ever as Scott and I now sat in silence gotten caught up in a five-minute lip-lock, neither of us together. had yet to get out of the car to buy the ice. "How did she find out that I'm married?" I asked Scott. From the corner of my eye, I noticed the strange "I think I mentioned it after she called you," he replied. woman approaching. As she drew closer, my lips rolled "Do you think she'll tell John?" I asked. off Scott's, and my eyes fully opened. Scott was oblivious "I don't know. . .1 don't think so..." he said, "Do you to her presence at first, but I felt him jump as the woman have to go now?" By the tone of his voice, I could tell that thrust open the car door. the reality of the situation was sinking in... Neither of us "Wendy, how would you like it if your husband found had intended on hurting anyone. We were just two people out?" was all that she said. Then she slammed the door in lust who wanted to be together, at least once a week shut, and took off. Scott and I sat there with both of our "No. . .well, I don't want to go. . .1 guess it doesn't mouths gaping open, and without speaking for several matter one way or the other. . ." I said. seconds. Finally, Scott closed his mouth and looked at "What do you mean by that?" he asked. me. "Well, if she goes home and calls John, and I walk "Well, I guess she saw that she was out-classed!" Scott through the door, I'll never be able to bullshit my way out said. of this mess.. .but if I stay out for a while and play it cool I was baffled by his attitude, yet amused at the same when I get home, well, maybe. . ." time. I couldn't imagine what I would have done if that "I don't think she'll call. . ." had been my husband who opened the door, instead of "God, I hope not. . ." his live-in girlfriend. I guess it didn't matter anyway, as "I think I'm a single man now..." Scott said, his large now I had to worry about her going home and calling shoulders drooping as he stared at the dashboard John. I knew she had my phone number, as she had called blankly. He looked really upset, and for the first time, I me once when she found it in Scott's jacket pocket. I felt a kind of emotion for him. I started to feel selfish for remembered our phone conversation vividly. . . . wanting the best of both worlds. John was a good "Hello," I had said, in my normal day-to-day phone husband and father, and we had a secure future in our answering voice. seemingly happy, three children, white-collar "American "Is this Wendy?" the voice on the other end was appre­ dream" lifestyle. Maybe having no major problems in my hensive and strange. life had created a problem. My life was so cutesy, that it "Yes, who is this?" I had replied. was boring.. .1 thought something was missing. I thought "Are you dating Scott Morgan?" the voice had asked, I had a void to fill. matter of factly. I felt my pulse quicken at the mention of When I had met Scott three months earlier, he his name. appeared to be the perfect filler to that void. There had "Whattt. . .?" been an instant attraction between the two of us. Scott "I said, do you know Scott Morgan, and are you dating was sexy, brawny and spontaneous. He wasn't hung up him?" on the "yuppie existence," in fact, he didn't own any­ "Who wants to know?" I replied. She had caught me thing. He was refreshing.. .exciting.. .forbidden. I know totally off guard, and I was blowing it. My only way out my lifestyle intrigued him also. Besides, he didn't care of this conversation was to say as little as possible and that I was married. . . We didn't have any "promise of play dumb. I remember being glad that John had not tomorrow. . ." Now that I had actually seen Emmy, returned from work yet. I didn't want her by any chance though, things weren't the same. I felt awkward with to find out that I was married. Scott for the first time. . . "My name is Emmy, and Scott is my boyfriend," "Does Emmy always wear her hair like that?" I asked. Emmy said. "She's had the flu all week," Scott replied. "I'm sorry. . ." I said softly, hoping she would hang up "Doesn't she care what she looks like when she leaves soon. the house?" I asked. "Did you know that we are living together?" Emmy Scott looked at me strangely, then he looked down asked. again. "No, but I won't see him again." I had said, not really "I should've known better than to stop here. Emmy believing it. always passes this place on her way home from work..." Scott said. "Are you waiting for Scott?" the voice said. I knew it "You should go home, Scott. . ." I said. was Emmy. On impulse, I hung up the phone. I looked "No, I'll give her time to calm down. I'm sure it's over over at John. He had stirred a bit, but was still sleeping. I now anyway." wondered what in the hell Emmy was calling me for—and "Are you sure?" at this time of night. . .1 lay awake, staring at the ceiling. "Yeah, I'm sure. It's really over. . ." What had happened when Scott went home? Did he go "No, are you sure about not wanting to go home." home? "Oh. . .yeah, I don't want to go home." 1 couldn't get back to sleep. Soon the red neon of the There we sat. Two strangers with no place to go, and clock radio shown five o'clock a.m. The phone rang nothing to talk about. Suddenly, I wanted very much to again. My heart pounded as I grabbed the receiver, be home. I missed my boring, successful husband... my hoping not to disturb John. three sons. . .my home in the burbs. . .my comfortable, "Hello," I said, knowing damn well it was Emmy again. yuppie existence. . .but would it be there when I got "Wendy?" Emmy said. home? "Who?" I said flippantly. "Scott, I really think we both should go home," I said. "Is this Wendy?" "Yeah, I kinda know what you mean. I'll take you back "You've got the wrong number!" I slammed down the to your car," he said. phone. He kissed me good bye before I got into my own car. "Who was that?" John asked as he rolled over toward "I'll call you. . ." he whispered, but I knew damn well me. that he wouldn't. I didn't want him to. "Just a wrong number. . ." I said, as I got out of bed. Pulling into my driveway, I noticed that the living "Where are you going?" John asked. room light was off—a good sign, I thought. If Emmy had "I'm going to unplug the phones so we get peace called, I was sure that John would be waiting in the living tonight." room for me. My hands trembled as I went through the house, I hung up my coat, and slowly walked upstairs to the ripping each cord from each socket. Still shaken, I bedroom. I peeked in on the boys. They were sound crawled back into bed. What was with Emmy? How long asleep. Then I went into my bedroom—mine and John's. was she going to torment me? Was she hoping for John to John appeared to be asleep also. I was very relieved, and answer the phone? made a silent vow to avoid infidelity in the future. The next day was Sunday. I was exhausted from lack As I crawled into bed, life felt comfortable again. John of sleep, so I sent John and the boys to the ten o'clock rolled over and faced me. church service without me. I still had not plugged in the "Have fun?" John asked. phones, and didn't intend to, for a while at least. I wanted "Whattt?" I replied, stunned that he was not really to take a nap, but all I could think of was Emmy. Was she sleeping. hell-bent on revenge? I considered changing my phone "Did you have fun tonight? You know, with your number, but what excuse would I give John? I thought friends. . .the ones you were out with tonight. . ." about calling Scott at work on Monday, to find out what "Yeah..." I said, swallowing hard. Guilt was wreaking was going on. I didn't want to encourage him, however, havoc with my mind, and I felt he was on to something... and I certainly didn't want him to think I was pestering "I'm glad. . .Oh, by the way, a friend of yours called him. It was a no-win situation. tonight. . ." he said. I toyed with the idea of telling John. I knew he'd be "A friend?" shattered. Would he ever trust me again? Would he "Yes, and she sounded upset. . ." believe that I was truly sorry? HOW would I tell him?... I just knew he was toying with my head, going in for a Monday morning finally came, and I plugged all of the dramatic set-up. . .Go ahead, John spit it out. . . Say it phones in after John left for work. The new day brought was someone named Emmy. . .tell me how she cried to fresh hope that maybe, just maybe, Emmy would not you and how you can't forgive me and how you are con­ bother me again. I sent the children off to school and templating divorce. . .throw me out of bed, but just get it went about my daily business. over with. . . By four-thirty in the afternoon, I was feeling quite "My friend Emmy. . ." I whispered in shame. confident, as the phone hadn't even rung all day. "Emmy. . ." John said, "She didn't say her name was John pulled in the driveway at six o'clock and I had a Emmy. She just sounded upset and told me to tell you a delicious dinner waiting in the oven. The boys were friend called. . .that's all. What happened tonight, hon? playing in the backyard, and life was back on the track to You look upset about something?" mormality. "I'm just tired," I replied. I looked at that wonderful, John retrieved the evening paper from the mailbox, trusting face. and I watched as he walked up the steps of the front porch "Good night John," I said, "I love you." with a puzzled look on his face. Something was wrong... "Good night. . .you too," he replied. "Hi Hon," I said to John as he entered the foyer. "Who in the hell is Scott Morgan..." he half mumbled, At three o'clock a.m., I was jarred awake by the phone as he stared at a piece of paper in his hand. ringing. "Hello," I whispered. "Why. . .?" I said, in a state of shock. He showed me the piece of paper and said, "I found this "I can't believe she went to your house! You're not note on the mailbox. Look at it—it says "Beware, you'll mad, are you?" pay dearly for Scott Morgan. . ." "No," I said. I hung up the phone. I ripped the paper out of his hands and stared at it. "Anything wrong?" John asked. Obviously, Emmy was not going to give up. I had to tell "No," I replied. John—before she did. "Who was that?" "Must be some kind of prank," John said as he put his "Umm. . .some magazine salesperson.. .you know the coat in the hall closet. old sales pitch stuff. . ." I had to tell him—now. Emmy's intimidation couldn't "What were you going to tell me?" be allowed to continue. "Going to tell you?" "We have to talk. . ." I began, "I've. . .1 mean. . . I—" "Yeah, in the hallway. . .you seemed quite concerned Suddenly the phone rang. I froze. Could it be Emmy over that note I found on the mailbox." John's face again? It rang again. "Let me get that!" I said as I dashed showed concern. to answer the phone, leaving John standing in the foyer. "I don't know.. .1 guess I was going to say that I will be "Hello?" I said, almost out of breath. more careful. . .about what's going on outside. . .1 never "Geez, am I glad you answered," the voice said. It was heard anyone outside this afternoon." Scott. He continued, "Emmy told me she left a note at He pulled me close and kissed my forehead. "Yes," he your house this afternoon—I told her it was a stupid said, "Be more careful, I don't want to lose you." thing to do—real stupid. . ." Later that night, I felt relaxed. Emmy was out of my "Yes," I replied, noticing that John was now looking life. As I crawled into bed, I looked forward to my first over my shoulder. My knees were shaking. full night of sleep in four days. . . A car door slammed "Wendy, I'm really sorry for any trouble she's caused. I outside, and my heart began to race. I sat up abruptly, told her that you and me were through, though, and I and jumped out of bed. Lifting back the window shade, I think she's going to leave you alone now." could see that it was just the neighbor. "Okay. . ." I said. I was relieved, but still felt nervous.

Photography/ Tammy Lee Sutton

8 Pencil/Kathy Turlington It's the Last Night by Pat McKeage C'mon over Let's party It's the last night We'll leave the ashtrays out You can smoke, or not We don't care If it gets too bad We'll open a window or two.

Our naked statues will be out You can look, or not Either way We don't think Rodin would mind, but Just in case, tomorrow We're putting them away. We'll have pictures of our children out, Orgies of babies lying naked, Lusting on furry, erotic rugs. Heavens, We were such perverts, back then.

There will be booze Seven-up too What you drink, It's up to you. You'll find a Playboy, or two Vintage issues Along with Alice in Wonderland On the coffee table. Read them, or not That's your affair. We'll be burning them tomorrow. Should we burn our Bible too?

We're going to barbecue fat juicy steaks And serve giant deviled eggs Amid slabs of evil cheese What the hell It's the last night, so Let's party Life sliding joyously down our throats Before it's too dangerous. Tomorrow We'll be wearing In this land of the free, shining Badges of Purity All running insanely, with Narrow yellow headbands, our Reeboks Eternally white, Tolerance Common sense Life's zest Swept away. Pencil/ Todd Smith

10 Best of 102

Open Season by Richard W. Fetter

"Stop! I smell something," whispered a husky voice. "Hey, old stag," said a crafty looking squirrel. Buck, "Yeah, about a hundred meters upwind in that pile of hearing the call, was startled and looked around for the brush," replied his companion. They hunched down low owner of the shrill voice. "Over here," said the squirrel to each other waiting until a sound confirmed their sus­ swishing his tail to get Buck's attention. "There are picions. Silently the two slipped under a fence and quietly hunters in the woods everywhere, everywhere!" wailed moved in the opposite direction of the brush pile. the nervous squirrel. "That was too close," said Buck through winded gasps "That's no concern to me little one," replied Buck for breath. "I'm getting too old for this." bending down and finding an apple. "I've lost my son, my "You're doing just fine for an old stag," replied the will to live, and I'm too old to run from the guns any much younger Spike jokingly. longer." "Let's just get our tails back into deeper swamp before "Tsk, tsk, poor old stag," whispered the squirrel while we end up trophies," snorted old Buck. shaking his tail in sympathy. After hacking and coughing up something that had "My son would have been three this year," said Buck soured in his stomach, the two turned to leave. reminiscing. "I wish there was some way I could be with KAWOOM! At that split second a shotgun blast ripped him." through the forest and violently slammed Spike to the "There is, father stag," said the now excited squirrel. cold forest floor. It happened so fast that Buck stood "What?" said Buck startled. there stunned watching blood out of his son's ears. "See that white thing on the other side of the clearing?" KAWOOM! Spike's body lurched with the impact of said the squirrel pointing with an acorn. "An old badger the second shot and shuddered before going still. told me it's a magical piece of the Salt of the Earth." Regaining his numbed senses, Buck tore off through the Buck, suppressing his laughter, only nodded at the salt grove of pines they had been standing in. He only ran a block. Everyone in the forest knew that the badgers were short distance before turning back. His years of ex­ a bunch of liars. Everyone also knew how gullible a perience told him there was nothing he could do, but still squirrel could be. But not wanting to hurt the little guy's he felt compelled to return. The clearing was quiet and feelings, Buck walked over to the white block. Looking looked serene in the early morning light. There was no back at the squirrel, who was urging him on, Buck lifted sign of the hunter, and at first Buck's confused mind his great head and in a very sincere voice said, "I wish I wondered if this was actually the right clearing. However, could be reunited with my son Spike." a sickening, nauseating smell quickly confirmed the At that moment the smell came to Buck; he tensed his location. Buck choked on the vomit as it rose from his muscles to flee, but it was too late. Searing hot pain throat. He had stumbled into blood and gore, ahead ripped through his chest and a white blinding light covered with flies, that had once been his son's internal clouded his vision, and then all was still. organs. "Jesus God, look at the rack on that bastard!" hollered As the days passed into weeks, and weeks into seasons, the hunter. Buck roamed the forest in stupified shock. One day when "Definitely a trophy," said an excited younger voice. the trees were turning gold and shedding their leaves, "It'll look like a moose hanging next to that spike horn Buck came across a tranquil clearing. you shot last season."

11 Tempera/ Valerie Carpenter

12 Wild Garden To: D.C.O.H.D.

by T. J. Rogers That wild garden of dark dreams in the Corner of my thinking yard— Has grown since I last Looked out.

It has vined and crept and wiggled on Into my nicer spots— And strangled all the Small flowers that had sprung From the seeds I last tossed out.

Now, I walk through the new ragged and colorful Jungle and estimate its damage. I tear out a heap of the evil kale In the corner where it first began. Under it, 1 notice a tiny white sneaker where a Demon Caught me once—Luckily my Laces were untied and I escaped.

In so little time, My yard has been eaten away By this elegantly vicious jungle. In so little time!

I have watched too long with wide eyes and Clenched teeth saying that I'd Prune it soon. Tonight! Tomorrow! Maybe.

Now I see it licking at my Basement windows with its thin Tendrils reaching out and squirming. "Not long now." I think, and wonder "Is it too late?"

And I go inside to get lots of Rest For my big day of pruning. Tomorrow. First thing in the morning.

13 Best of 102 The Gift

by Betsy Koning

In a dimly lit room above a convenience store in Dicks- Natasha now and anyway you're only thirteen. You're ville, Kentucky, Madame Natasha busied herself by too young to go calling me by my first name." Natasha dusting the small colorful bottles on the shelf marked took a deep breath, "Marie, I had a vision. I saw you, and "potions." The pink, neon light above the door hummed a light, and there was a voice, and it said you were a incessantly, and the dark, purple cloth draped over the chosen one, and that you were going to be gifted. Can you windows hung motionless in the heavy air of the room. beat that? Real powers and. . ." Madame Natasha checked her watch. It was five "Ma, is your turban tied too tight? You don't have o'clock, time to close the fortune telling parlor. It had powers. I don't have powers. And you didn't have any been a long afternoon. There had been three new brides vision!" inquiring about their futures and a young man who "I did!" wanted to know if he was going to get a job promotion. "You're crazy!" Natasha was glad to be going home. She took the "open" "Marie!" sign out of the window and moved to turn off the "Ma!" glowing, crystal ball. Her fingers groped beneath the "Humor me! I gave up a secure job at the Interna­ tablecloth in search of the on/ off switch. She found it, tional House of Pancakes and took a chance on this flipped it, and was surprised to see that the ball continued gypsy fortune telling bit so I could give you a good life. to radiate a soft, blue light. "Cheap piece of junk," she Anyway, I know what I saw in that crystal ball, and I muttered as she pulled the ball's plug out of the wall. The know the perfect way for you to prepare. You can help me light still did not go out. Frustrated, she hit the glowing at work. You already know how to read palms and tea orb with the palm of her hand, and as she did so a hazy leaves. It will be the perfect way for you to practice. You picture began to appear in the ball. Natasha swallowed can come to the fortune parlor tomorrow after school." the gum she had been chewing and leaned closer until her "No way. Tomorrow's Friday and I'm going to the nose was almost touching the ball. program at the high school with my friends." As the haze lifted from the picture inside the ball, "Oh, don't worry. The program doesn't start until Natasha could make out the features of her daughter, eight, and you'll be done in plenty of time." Marie. There was a bright light surrounding the girl, and "How do you know what time the program starts?" a voice from somewhere in the dark background yelled, "Didn't I tell you? I'm going to the program too. My "You! You're the one who will receive the gift." Marie friend, Mrs. Schniedbaum, the lady who runs the fish smiled from ear to ear and whooped with joy. Then, the market, asked me to go to the show with her. Her picture faded. daughter, Sylvia, will be performing." The confused Madame Natasha sat down heavily in "You're going! I can't believe this. You're always her hard, wooden chair and pondered what had hanging over my shoulder, even when I'm out with my happened. "I really do have powers," she thought aloud. friends." "After all these years it turns out I really do have powers! "For your information, I am not the least bit interested And Marie! A chosen one! She will receive the gift, the in what you and your friends do as long as you stay out of powers, too! I have to tell her! I have to prepare her!" trouble. I'm only going to the program because poor Mrs. Natasha sprang from her chair, grabbed her shawl, and Schniedbaum is a widow and had no one to sit with at ran out the door. these sort of get togethers." In only half the time it usually takes her, she walked the "All right! Fine! I just don't want you sitting by us." two miles to the small apartment where she and Marie "I'm sure we won't be anywhere near you so don't lived. When she reached the door, she didn't bother to dig worry. Just meet me at work tomorrow after school." in her purse for her key. Instead, she pounded on the door Madame Natasha then proceeded to make a small and yelled, "Maaarriee, Maaarrieeeee! You won't believe dinner of chicken pot pies, potato chips, and Hawaiian it! I saw something! I had a vision, a real one! I. . ." Punch. She and Marie both ate and then watched The Marie opened the door and stared at her mother. Cosby Show. They went to bed early because on "Doris, what the heck are you doing? The neighbors Thursday nights there wasn't much to do. already think you're nuts! Do you want to prove it to The next day at four o'clock Madame Natasha opened them?" the door of the fortune parlor for a very reluctant Marie. Natasha pushed past Marie and flew into the "Just how long is this going to take?" Marie growled as apartment. "I told you not to call me Doris. I go by she threw her books and jacket in the corner.

14 "Hi, how was school?" Miss Crabtree looked at Marie suspiciously. "Really?" "Let's just get this over with." "The crystal ball does not lie," muttered Marie. Miss "Well. . .first. Sit down at the table and look into the Crabtree smiled, "Thank you, how much do I owe you?" ball." Marie plopped downin a chair and started at the "You look like a nice lady," Natasha replied, "We'll say glass sphere on the table. "All right, Mane, concen­ five dollars." trate, . . .concentrate. Now, tell me what you see." The old lady reached into her purse, pulled out a five "I see.. .a glass ball," Marie replied with a self-satisfied dollar bill, and pressed it into Natasha's hand. "Thank- smirk. "Ma, this is ridiculous." you again," and with that Miss Crabtree hurried out the "It's only ridiculous because you aren't trying." Just door. then Natasha and Marie heard footsteps coming up the As soon as the door closed Madame Natasha pounced stairs. "Quick Marie, this is your chance to wait on some on Marie. "Did you really see him, the tall, dark, hand­ customers. Get behind the curtain and change." some stranger? Did you have a vision?" "Oh no, not me. I'm not dressing up like some garage "The only dark thing that I saw was a dead fly inside sale reject!" the crystal ball's light bulb. That's really gross, Doris. "Nonsense!" Madame Natasha pushed Marie into the You should clean that thing out once in awhile." back room. She quickly tied a heavy scarf over her Natasha heaved a frustrated sigh. daughter's head, clipped large, hoop earings on her ears, "Well, I've got to be going now. I'm meeting Julie and and wrapped a shawl over her shoulders. When the Tracy at McDonald's for dinner, and then we're all going customer knocked, Natasha said in a sing-song voice, to the program together," Marie said as she pulled off the "You may enter! Now, go out there and make me proud," scarf, shawl, and earrings, threw them on the chair and Natasha whispered to Marie. raced out the door before Natasha could stop her. Marie hurried around the corner and back into the Natasha closed the fortune parlor, went home to fortune parlor just in time to see her history teacher, Miss change her clothes and then met Mrs. Schniedbaum at Crabtree, walk in. The girl and her teacher looked at each the school. other with expressions of disbelief and embarrassment, At seven forty-five people began to file into the high but Natasha was oblivious to their predicament and went school auditorium. Natasha and her friend found their about business as usual. "Have a seat, Mrs uh, what is seats in the balcony and waited for the entertainment to your name, dear?" start. Natasha scanned the crowd looking for Marie. She "Matilda, Matilda Crabtree." spotted her in the fifth row just as the house lights went "Ah, Matilda, such a majestic name. Is there a special down. reason you have come to see us?" Natasha stressed the The master of ceremonies stepped out onto the stage in word "us" and glanced at Marie who was silently inching front of the heavy, red curtain and adjusted his toward the door. microphone. "Before we start the show, ladies and gentle­ "Actually, I um... just came because I, uh.. .wanted to men, I would like to announce the winner of the door know if I'll ever. ... If I'll ever get married," Miss prize." There was a drum roll in the background. A spot Crabtree blurted as Marie suppressed a snicker. light swung down and shown on the girl sitting in seat five "Oh fine, fine, but I hope you don't mind if my E, Marie. "You! You are the one who will receive the assistant, Madame Maria, helps you today." gift. . .of an entire weekend for two in Louisville, "Well, I. . . ," Miss Crabtree seemed hesitant. Kentucky!" The crowd burst into applause, and Marie "Good, good!" Natasha reached out and grabbed was grinning from ear to ear. She whooped with joy, Maria's arm just as she was about to slide out the door. jumped up and down, and hugged her friends. "Maria, have a seat and help our dear Matilda with her Up in the balcony Madame Natasha sat and stared question." with amazement at the scene below her. Mrs. Marie sat down in the chair and stared at Miss Schniedbaum chattered in the stunned Natasha's ear, Crabtree. "May 1 read your palm?" Marie asked, copying "Oh, of course, since you're her mother you'll go with her mother's fake accent. Miss Crabtree stretched her her. . ." Natasha was excited but it wasn't because of the arm across the table. Marie looked at the dry, wrinkled trip. She was excited because she knew she really had had hand for a moment. "Your love line is very strong in the a vision. Now all of her dreams could be realized. She later half of your life. Let us look into the crystal ball." could franchise her fortune parlor, go on a world tour, Marie hit the switch under the table and the ball began to and maybe even get a spot on The Carson Show. All that glow. She gazed at it for a few seconds, "I see a tall, dark, really mattered was that she really did have powers, and handsome stranger in your future. He will sweep you off she thought that was a far better gift than a trip for two to your feet in a whirlwind romance." the city. 15 Watercolor/Lwefa Poll

Watercolor/A^ar/iv Sullivan 16 Not This Time by Kristen Whitman He sent me roses— a dozen sweet smelling roses. Why did he send them this time? What terrible thing has he done?

Arraigned. Tried. Found GUILTY.

I'll wait until he comes home I'm Sorry to sentence him. by Marie Turner Roses—Hah! The taste of They smell a little too sweet. humble pie is bland, your forgiveness could make it sweet again. . .

Photography/ Marie Walz

17 Photography/ Tammy Lee Sutton 18 The Long Way Home

by T. J. Rogers

I burst through the last hallway door, huffing and "So what else is there Billy boy?" I chuckled. He just puffing, as I saw Mr. Skank yank the classroom door jerked away and bounced on down the hall. shut. I was late again. And he never let anyone into class It was a nice day out, the sun was white-hot on the side­ once he shut the door at exactly ten minutes after eight. I walk and there was a nice cool breeze. So I decided to didn't care that much. I was still hung over from the night walk home again instead of bummin' rides off people at before and wasn't in the mood to hear his slobbering the stop-light at the corner. I needed the fresh air and I nasal singsong blabbering anyway. figured I'd compose my speech on the way home. I hate that. My only class on Tuesday and it's at eight in But first I needed to get a smoke. So I asked around. the morning. Get all the way there and miss it. So I Finally some football jerk said that he didn't have a figured I'd crash out on the floor until the class was over smoke but he had some chew, so I said sure. I used to and ask the dink Billy, who always sat up front with his chew all the time when I was a kid. Me and Pop used to face swimming in Mr. Skank's slimy pearls of knowledge, see who could spit the farthest. He could always spit twice what the assignment was. Billy-Boy always hated dealing as far as me. He had some strange technique of pinching with me, but I'd hassle him until he'd give in—just to shut his lower lip when he spat but it worked like a charm. I me up. figured I'd practice at it. I had my foot in front of the door so I'd wake up when So the jock pulls out his chew and it's the kind that's the class let out. Sure enough, the ol' Skanker popped out packed in those handy little 'pussy pouches' so your first and pulled me out of a shitty dream I was having mouth doesn't get messy. So I says to him, "Sheit dude! about throwing up maggots or something. I usually got Kind of like suckin' a titty through a sweater! Eh?" He off on dreams like that but not when I was hung over. didn't think it was too funny but he gave me a couple "Missed again, eh Radner?" the Skanker said down to pouches anyway. me as he thumped his chin with a pencil that had a fat So on the way home, I was thinking of a social problem orange eraser on the end of it. Then he just wagged his to do that speech on. I tried a few. First I thought, head and started down the hall. As he went he shouted "Hookers?" But I figured that it wasn't much of a over his shoulder, "One more absence and you'll most problem as far as I could see. "Arson?" Nah, that's not likely be dropped from my class. I suggest you either get too big either. "Car theft? Grafitti? Gangs?" Nah, I up a little earlier in the morning or spend less time couldn't knock the guys over on the east side of town. I combing your hair. Har har! Just kidding about the hair had too much fun with them. . . I kept throwing up a son. Hope to see you on Thursday." bunch of ideas but they just didn't hit the bag. I just flipped him off and snatched Billy by his Chicago When I got to the other side of the bridge I went down Cubs jacket. the steep bank and under the bridge to take a leak. Right "Say Billy! What's the assignment, pal?" as I hopped down and turned the corner I got the shit He just puckered up his lips and blew a quick breath scared out of me. I damn near jumped out of my leather out of his nose. "I don't have time today Randy. You jacket because I almost tripped over the old Red Wagon should have been here. I gott go down to—" Man who was hunched there in his permanent seat with a "I thought we was pals Billy boy! Now you gonna go spout of pee coming from his lap. and stick me out in the cold? Now what happens if you "Hey, hey, hey!" He shouted like a doped-up Santa start getting picked on by big Mosely again and I don't Claus, "You almost got a Golden Baptism there." help you out cuz I gotta go some place Billy? Huh? Then My heart was pingin' with adrenaline, "You scared the what?" shit out of me sailor. How'd you get down here in that "This is the last time Randy. Anyway, I'm lifting wagon of yours?" I said, trying not to notice him peeing weights now so pretty soon you can't use that excuse on himself when the pressure wasn't enough to arc the anymore." edge of the wagon. So I give one of his sticks a squeeze. "Say, you got a "Well, it started to sprinkle this morning so I had a dandy of a hock puffin' up d'ere. I better come up with friend of mine scoot me down here in case it got worse. another excuse quick!" Looks nice enough now. You wanna tug me up to the He just pulled his stick away and snapped, "We have to street when you're done there?" he said, still being rowdy do a five-minute speech on a current social issue for at the voice and wiping off his leakage with some grubby Thursday. But we can't do it on Drugs, AIDS, or Arby's napkins. Steroids." I just said "you bet" and finished off my business into 19 the soft rush of the Cold Water River. I just laughed to myself and started jogging through the Ever since I was a little punk roaming the streets of gravel and right away he started yelling like he was Cold Water Rapids with the boys, I remember seeing the whipping a horse, "Faster! Faster! What did I tell you! wrinkled up Red Wagon Man here or there and You're not going to make it with this sissy speed!" I just everywhere slumped in his wagon with his twisted and laughed and broke at the foot of the bank giving it my all. skinny legs dangling over the edge. He had long, sonic- He was heavier than I thought. About halfway up the red hair that he had in a long braid down his back and bank I lost speed and almost came to a stop. The whole wrapped around his waist. I figured he was part Indian or time he was bitching me out and at that point he really laid something. And it was like he was always super-happy. If into me. He even picked up a fist-full of gravel and started he wasn't talking, you'd always hear him singing or tossing pebbles at my chest, "Look at you! I thought you humming. Crazy Don started chucking mulberries at him was a little pup! I told you what to do, but you had to be a once when the little old man was sitting in our park one smart ass and ot it your way and now you're sitting here day, but we all felt really shitty about it and made him half way up the hill grunting like a baby shitting its stop. All those years and the little guy was still alive. I diaper!" wondered how he made it through all those crazy winters. This pissed me off and I dug in with every muscle in my Every winter he'd be out there in the snow, bundled in a body and inched up the hill. Every inch was filled with clump of blankets, singing Christmas carols with a insults and little pebbles at my chest and stomach and I dented-up cooking pan out in front of him to catch almost let go to shut him up and teach him a lesson. But change in. I guess he made quite a bit of cash and not all he would have went right into the river. of it from pity either. He had a cool voice. Real deep and When I got him over the top and onto the sidewalk I clear. dropped the handle and kept walking. He just shouted, For some reason I always felt uncomfortable around "Hey Bailey! Hey! You're way stronger than I thought! him so I tried to avoid him as much as possible by walking It's just that you need a little bit of badgering to get you on the other side of the street whenever I saw him. He'd going! Now as long as you're going my way, why don't always see me and shout, "Hey, hey, hey, is this your you be a good guy and give me a pull up to the store over day?" I'd always shout back, "Yep. It's all mine!" Even there on Bridge and Stocking!" though I never knew what the hell he was talking about. I just turned around and yelled, "I'm not going that When I was finished peeing, I slipped my hand through far!" Which was a lie. That was right where I turned off the handle of the wagon, which had a piece of carpet at. I took about seven more steps, turned around, and wrapped around it and was tied on by several loops of went back to get him. He was just sitting there smiling colorful yarn, and started pulling him slowly. The because he knew I would be back for him. carpeted handle was worn soft by all the hands that had "Taking the long way home, eh Bailey?" and he started been tugging him around all those years. He said, "Don't singing the Supertramp song as he thumped out the be shy when you pull me Bailey, I've only tipped over in rhythm on the lip of the wagon. "So you think you're a this thing twice and that was mostly my fault. I hope you Romeo. . . Playing a part in a picture-show. . . Take the don't mind if I call you 'Bailey' do ya son? Because you long way home... Take the long way home... Cuz you're remind me of my old friend Jack Bailey for some reason. the joke of the neighborhood. . . Why should you care if Oh, he's long since dead and won't mind none I'm sure. you're feeling good. . . Take the long way home... Take Poor guy. He was a mighty strong man, but he had bad the long way home. . ." bones. Never took care of 'em like he should've." I just pulled him along feeling embarrassed for the After all of that, I just couldn't say no to the little guy so hollering freak. But it sounded right on key. I said, "Go right ahead. It don't bother me none." Even It was only a six-block walk and by the third block though it did. "Bailey" was a pretty stupid name. seven or eight people had honked their horns and waved He just looked across the river and sighed a little bit, at him. He just kept singing and waved back. Sometimes . "Old Jack Bailey. . .1 wonder what he'd be doing right waving long after they had gone—so he could play with now if he took better care of them bones of his." the shadow his waving hand and slumped body made on I had the wagon near the best path up the bank and the sunny sidewalk. turned to look at him to size up the situation. It was a I started wondering why someone so well-known steep climb and I wondered if he'd roll out of the back of around town would be living on the streets. I was sure one the wagon on the way up. of those waving fools would have taken him in. So I asked He just smiled and said, "Now, it looks like you're him where he lived. strong enough, but I'll still warn you that getting me up "Where do I live?" he shouted as if it was a stupid that bank is not going to be easy. So if you're smart, you'll question. "Why, I live here!" get a running start over this gravel and give it all you got "A wagon is not much of a house," I noted. in one shot." "Oh, this old wagon is not my house. . . This body ol "But what if you roll out of the back on the way up?" I mine is where I live!" said. "But don't you ever go inside to rest and warm up?" "Me!?!" he snapped, like I was a dork for asking such a "Naaahhh! Not usually. I can get all the rest and question, "I know my abilities fully. It's you I'm worried warmth I need right here. This ol' body is built to dance about. Like I said, you look strong enough, but I doubt if with Mother Nature," he said with a loud laugh, "and I'm you really know your strength that well." telling you son, She is one hell of a dancer." 20 I kind of laughed at this because I couldn't imagine him downtown mumbling to himself. being much of a dancer with his body being like it was. A "So you're Eddy's kid, eh?" Red said to me. vision popped into my head of him on Club MTV in his I didn't want to talk about it so I just grabbed on tight little wagon flinging his arms around to the B-52's. to the wagon handle and tugged away. He kept babbling on, "And if your body and mind can "I remember Eddy. He was a hell of a man. The best keep up with her crazy pace and jazzy style you begin to dancer I ever ran into." learn a lot about life. The dance is the secret. It's a shame "I don't want to talk about it!" I snapped. that there are so many crippled people out there today... "He could dance into every situation and come out Especially you!" with something of value. The only problem with him was I stopped right there on the train tracks and said, that he did it mainly by picking the pockets and hearts of "What do you mean, I'm crippled?" I was about to drop every one he danced with." the handle on the tracks and say, "Now who's a cripple if "I said, I don't want to talk about it!" a train comes around that bend?" but I didn't. That "It's an impressive style but you can't dance like that wouldn't have been cool at all. forever. . ." "Look at you! You've got the body of a God but it is so "Didn't you hear me, I said I didn't. . ." damn polluted that you could hardly pull me up that little "Pretty soon," he yelled at the top of his thunderous hill back there! That's like putting used oil in a brand new voice, "You have to leave town because it don't take long car! Running on cheap watery gasoline! Shifting gears at before everyone figures you out! And you end up leaving the wrong time! Slamming on the brakes at every stop! what's important behind!" Taking corners too fast all the time! And. . ." Right then, I slammed the handle in the middle of "I'm not that bad! I feel fine!" I snapped. Stocking Street as I was crossing him and yelled, 'Fuck "Yeah, with booze and anxiety. And that shit you got it! I've taken you far enough!" and I pranced right across in your mouth isn't the best thing a mouth could have in the rush hour intersection through a thrashing of horns it. Sure, you look okay for now, even though I can smell and squealing brakes. I didn't care. And I started running you rotting away quickly, but soon the gangrene will set toward home. in. Then what? By then it will probably be too late "You're almost home now boy!" I heard him yell and anyway." laugh in that deep voice. "This might be your day after "Well, I'm gonna have a hell of a lot of fun in the mean­ all!" time!" I said with raw sarcasm. I was getting sick of About three blocks down the road I slowed down hearing his insults. because I had run off all of my anger. I even started to He just said, "I guessed as much," and started laugh about the whole thing. humming a blues riff. There was a bottom half of a broken Pepsi bottle in the We were a block away from Stocking Street when middle of the sidewalk and I started kicking it as I some drunk came waltzing up and started yapping to my walked. Every time I kicked it another little piece would load. chip off so that the ringing it made, as it slid and bounced "Haya Red! Wassyou say 'bout sssanging me a tune?" down the sidewalk, would chime in a higher pitch. By the the old drunk said slobbering on himself. time I got it to the pillars of the freeway overpass all that "Oh no, Sam," said Red, "You know I don't sing to was left was the base of the bottle. So I gave it one last people in your condition." hard kick and it shattered against the first pillar. "Mah condisson? I onie hah one! An' bessize I— I walked up the concrete bank under the freeway and Sayeee!" he grumbled when he saw me. "Aren't you..." sat at the top to listen to the cars whoosh by over me. It he squinted his eyes and leaned toward my face with a was such a relaxing sound. A few minutes later I saw Joey mean look in his eye, "Yoore Eddie Radner'z boy, aren't Loman walk past down on the sidewalk. I called him up choo?" because I wanted a smoke and I knew he had one. "Yeah," I said getting mad, "What about it?" "What's up, Randy?" he said nervously. Joey always "Dat somfa-bitch owes me fiffy bucks!" looked as if someone just set fire to his teddy bear. "Well that's not my problem!" "Well," I tell him, acting like I was about to cry. "I'm He just jerked himself up straight and puckered his having a really shitty day and. . . and I was wondering if rocking face up at me trying to look threatening, "Well, iz you had an extra smoke you could set me up with?" ee back in town yet?" He hesitantly stuck his fingers into his shirt pocket and "No! And he probably never will be! So get the fuck off pulled out a thin rumpled pack of Marlboro Greens and my back!" I got so excited that the chew pouches flopped looked into the pack. out of my mouth while I was yelling at him. I couldn't "I. . . It's my last one Randy," he said with a whimper. help it. I was so sick of people hassling me about Pop. "If I had more I'd. . ." The old drunk tried to laugh but he started coughing "C'mon Joey. I had a real bad day today. I thought you instead, "Hwack halk. . .hem. . .well itz prolly a damn would understand," I said, and dropped my face into my good thing too cuz there is quie a few people dat'l have hands and started to fake cry. "All right!" I sniveled, "I hi'sass if he does!" and he waltzed off the curb and into know how it is when it comes to your last smoke." the street, flipped off a car that honked at him and "Ah, I'm sorry Randy. Here," and he tossed his pack waltzed back into the sidewalk again and headed toward into my lap. "I gotta go." 21 Pencil/ Valerie Valentine

I said, "Thanks a lot pal. I really needed it," and sniffed And maybe you should too, Joey. That shit is bad for us. a little bit. Pollutes us all up." As I watched him romp down the concrete bank, Joey just looked at me like I was crazy or something almost slipping on his ass at one point, I thought, and said, "Well. . .yeah, I guess." "Sucker! And it figures he'd have these shitty Greens." "In fact," I told him, "I think I'm gonna do a speech I Just as I was about to light it up, the Red Wagon Man have to do on how bad smokes are for people. Whad'ya popped into my head, and I thought about Pop and think, Joey?" wondered where he was. "It sounds all right to me Randy. I guess." I got all hot inside and looked at Joey walking down "Yeah, I think I will. Take'r easy Joey," I said to him the road. Then I took the smoke out of my mouth and and waved good-bye. yelled, "Hey Joey! Wait a minute!" He just looked at the smoke and then at me. "Yeah, see I ran down and caught up to him. ya'round Randy." "Here. Take it back. It's your last one and I really don't "You bet you will!" I shouted, and headed home with a need it anyway. In fact, I think I'm gonna quit smoking. fast, hard pace. 22 The Once Grand River by Steven James Herron Suicide Tamed like the lion in the city zoo by Marie Turner whose roar has been muzzled— his body nothing but useless sinew The blade brushes across the skin, Years ago he slank through the tensely tearing grasses of the veldt fragments of a now he lies lazily behind concrete and steel harder life— waiting for his keeper to free him oozing relief from suffering. . . burdens. . . bondage. . on the edge of life, walking the fine line— a pessimist would call it suicide.

Tempera/Stephanie Fisher

23 Photography/ David J. Bryant

Photography/ David J. Bryant

24 Best of 102 Shoes to Fill by Dan Kroupa

The cart trundled toward the town. Ben sat on the Ben relaxed a little. He still held the trigger with gentle passenger side and surveyed the Pennsylvania landscape. firmness just in case. The town wasn't much further It was morning and the dew had not yet burned off the ahead. He began wondering when his time to fight would grass. It was already hot, though. Ben inhaled deeply and come. He wanted to show everyone back home in his lungs took in the fresh mountain air. He was Virginia that he would be a man. Doubt kept creeping seventeen and, like most young men, wanted nothing into his head. This army life wasn't anything like his more than to prove his manhood to the world. Ben took grandfather and father talked about around the fire back in the view again and gripped his musket tightly. home. It seemed like all they told of was the glory of war Isaac was driving. His flame red hair glistened in the and killing for your country. Did they ever know the sun. There were touches of grey in his sideburns and the knotted stomach that he felt now? hair at his temples. His tattered, homespun uniform "What you join up fer?" Isaac asked Ben directly. smelled of sweat. They both paused the conversation to salute a calvary The cart was sturdy yet had obviously been used too officer on his mount galloping past them. The cart hit a hard. The wheels were getting worn and the oak paneling hard bump and they both lost their balance for a moment. was beginning to warp and splinter. The two mules "Well," Ben said, "my daddy fought the Mexicans and pulling the cart, steady and strong, trotted at an even my grand daddy fought with Jackson in the War of 1812. pace. The convoy of carts had been sent to the town to get I figure it's my turn ta fight fer my country now." a reported supply of shoes. Confederate soldiers needed "And ya figure fightin's gonna make ya a man, huh?" shoes desperately. Isaac asked. Ben's stomach was churning. Still a green recruit, he "Shore it will," Ben replied. "What else is there?" had yet to experience the war's carnage first hand. He Isaac sat and stared ahead sternly. The sound of gave the countryside one more scan for Yankee scouts whizzing bullets and screams from wounded men still then, satisfied, looked at Isaac. haunted his mind. Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville "You ever git afraid of dyin', Isaac?" Ben asked. were two places Isaac would have liked to forget. Indeed, Isaac started ahead without changing the expression the scar on his left shoulder was a permanent reminder on his face. He knew what was going through the boy's given to him by a union officer's saber. Was he now more mind and wanted to answer in a way that would make of a man than before those battles? He wondered. some kind of sense. "What about you?" Ben asked. "They say you was a "Soldier'd haf to be crazy not ta think bout dyin' once hero at Chancellorsville. Kilt a dozen bluecoats by yer in a while boy," Isaac finally answered. "You gittin the self." jitters?" Isaac laughed. "I kilt maybe three Yankees and that "I reckon," Ben replied warily. Was a soldier supposed was cuz I was scart to deth. Tell ya the truth. Felt more to admit that he was afraid? It didn't seem too likely. Still, like an animal than a man. Don't know anymore what it Isaac hadn't rebuked him for asking so Ben figured may­ is that makes a man. You're young to worry 'bout being a be it was okay. man." "Every soldier gits the jitters," Isaac said. "Soldier that "I'm seventeen," Ben retorted defensively. "Seems like don't git afraid usually don't know to duck and winds up there's plenty my age fightin'." kilt. I'd say the time ya should really be afraid is when ya "They usually do a lot more dyin' than fightin'," Isaac ain't afraid. Yuz lible to do sumtin stupid." said. "Now me? I'm here cuz the army's the only thing I Ben stared down at his own bare feet thinking on got. If I was worry'n bout bein' a man I think I'd find me a Isaac's words. It wasn't for nothing that he had asked to safer way to go bout it. If ya need to prove yourself go along on the expedition. When he had first joined up fightin', fight fer a cause, not cuz you think people will be he had a brand new pair of leather boots his father had proud of ya. Pride's not a good thing to get your head made for him. Ben had learned the hard way about shot off fer." keeping his belongings to himself. The second night after Ben straightened himself on the seat. He wasn't sure the army had crossed the Potomac River his boots were anymore what war was about. If a veteran like Isaac gone; taken right from his tent while he slept. Ben wanted didn't put much stock in war as a test of manhood what to be sure that he didn't miss out on a new pair from the was it that he should do? His heart really wasn't into town. fighting. He decided just to get his shoes and worry about "Reckon we'll see any Yankees today?" Ben asked with everything tomorrow. The town was now just over the a combination of anticipation and dread. next ridge. Ben just sat and stared. "No battle today," he "The kind of Yankees we mot see today ain't the kind thought to himself. "The Yankees are to the north yet. yuz comes up against in a fight," Isaac answered. "Scouts Won't have to fight anyway. I got to think some more sez the main Yankee army is up north still runnin'." about this." "So we won't be seein' no action today?" Ben asked. The cart trundled on toward the town. There would be "Not likely," Isaac replied. "Maybe some farmers, no fighting today. No test of manhood. Or so Ben some militia men, but nuthin' like what be in the Army of thought. the Potomac." The name of the town was Gettysburg. 25 *.** i

Tempera/Stephanie Fisher

The Blanket by Mary Southern A red plaid blanket lies on the sand dune, far off, two people walk together by the water's edge. The blanket has long been forgotten.

They have each other. And as they walk the sun dries the glisteny wet from their backs. They speak to each other in the soft voice of lovers.

Lovers that soon have to part; She will hurry home to greet the children from school. He will go back to his office and telephone his wife.

The blanket will stay on the sand dune, for a time, then will be carried away by the wind.

26 Photography/Jew^ Wood

27 Pencil/Debi Schreiber

28 The Expedition by Tim White

"The candle flame flickers, then burns out. Such is room. She had entered some sort of control room and the way for all things. . . Paul sat on the other side, slumped in a chair. His face from the poet I allanish had an odd look on it which sent a chill down Shana's The sun jumped onto the foreign horizon within a spine. "Paul, can you hear me? Paul!" matter of only a few seconds. The heat began, once more, Paul was slouched over in a chair which slightly to intensify. It had never really cooled off. dwarfed his body. He wore a strange crown upon his head "I don't get it Paul. Why did they abandon this planet?" which seemed to be attached to the console in front of Shana asked as they surveyed the cluster of buildings. him. Shana hesitantly removed paul from the chair and "I don't know yet," Paul said. "Maybe they gathered all laid him on the floor. the information there is here. Right now I just want to "Paul, can you hear me?" She spoke through choked find out who They are, or were." fear as she removed the strange halo from his head. The small, bright sun, Alpha Centauri, was climbing "I. . . .1 saw. . .something. I saw Them," stammered higher into the foreign sky. Paul wiped the sweat from his Paul, coming out of his trance. eyes with one of his long forearms. Paul's normally "Are you all right?" unruly hair was stuck to his head. He stood just slightly Paul became gradually more aware of his surroundings shorter than Shana's six foot height. and noticed that Shana was holding him. "Did you notice that there is no water here?" said "Shana, it's. . .incredible. I don't think I can describe Shana as the dry, acrid wind blew through her auburn what I saw. The halo is some sort of computer link. hair. "Look, there are signs that there used to be vege­ Everything we could want to know about who They are tation, but no water." and where They came from is in here," said Paul with a "And why is all the vegetation dead? Maybe there is wild excitement Shana had never seen in him before. some clue to this place in those questions." "There's no time Paul. Besides, that thing almost killed "I'm going to get started trying to come up with the you. If I hadn't come along there's no telling what would answers," Shana said. She had spent so much of her life in have happened to you." the theoretical study of planets and now she had her "You don't understand. I saw things that I can not chance. But something wasn't right here. explain. Inside that computer is everything we need to "I'm going to get started on these buildings. Maybe know about the people that built this. I just have to figure whoever built them left me a note." it out," said Paul. "Their minds work differently than "Paul, be careful. I'll be along shortly, I just want to get ours. I'm not exactly sure how, but I have to find out." the recorders set up. I shouldn't be too long," Shana "You can't Paul, you don't know what it might do to called to his back. you. We don't know what it's already done. Besides He continued walking toward the half-buried domes there's not time," said Shana. without saying a word. They were constructed much the "What do you mean?" inquired Paul. same as the Earth colonies that had been built on the "I found out why there's no water here. The sun is moon, a cluster of small domes joined to a larger, central burning out. Don't you see, that's why it's so hot here. one. The sun is burning with a greater intensity than it should * * * be." Shana began searching the buildings for signs of Paul. Paul spoke with a calm uncertainty, "You don't under­ It had been six hours since he had gone into the city. She stand Shana. I saw. . .everything." had gotten intrigued by what she began finding out about "No, I don't understand. Come on. . ." the planet and had lost track of the time. She had to find "No! Why don't you just try it. See for yourself. It's the him immediately; they didn't have much time. only way you'll understand. Their world is so. . .so dif­ The chambers inside the building were much cooler ferent," said Paul. He appeared to be recovering slowly than outside. The corridors were relatively bare of any from the effects of the alien machine. trappings and extended high above her head. Whoever "Paul, I'm scared. Let's go back to the shuttle and had built this place was either tall or liked lots of head make sure you're all right. You look tired. I'm just afraid room. The corridor she was in led to what appeared to be that.. .that computer or whatever could kill you," Shana a central room. said with a shaky voice. "Oh my God,Paul!" shrieked Shana. She dropped the "Maybe you're right. I do feel tired. It's just that there is holoscanner she had been carrying and ran into the so much to learn from this place. Maybe I'm getting 29 carried away," Paul said. He pulled himself together and "Paul, can you hear me?" Shana probed. This time she Shana helped him up off of the floor. got a response. They headed back out into the dry heat of mid-day. "Where. . .where am I?" stammered Paul. Paul leaned on Shana as they walked, his strength gone. "We're back on the ship. We have to leave now Paul," As if in expectation of them, the sun flared up its intensity answered Shana. and a heat wave engulfed the pair as they made their way "Leave. No we can't. There is so much. . .so much to back to the shuttle. learn." "God, it's hot in here. What happened to the climate "We can't stay Paul. The sun, remember the sun?" control?" Paul questioned. "The sun.. .it's.. .it's dying. That's why we left. The sun "I don't know, it was fine when I left to find you." is dying. Must get back. . ." spoke Paul. "What did you say is happening to the sun?" queried "We haven't left yet Paul. I need your help. We have to Paul. get the ship ready. The pre-launch system didn't start up. "It's hard to tell. It seems to be collapsing in on itself. Solar radiation has damaged the ship," Shana said. The My guess would be that in three or four days, at the most, sleeplessness and fear were evident in her speech. it will be completely dead," replied Shana. "Must get.. .home.. .report to.. .to Commander.. .sun "That means I have tomorrow to try and figure out that dying," Paul babbled. computer." "What are you talking about Paul? Commander who? "Forget about that thing! We have to worry about Come out of it Paul, I need you," Shana pleaded. getting ourselves out of here," said Shana, the fear The temperature inside the ship had risen noticeably slipping into her voice. "It could, take a couple of days to during their exchange. Shana left Paul to check on the clear the orbit, if everything goes without problems." ship's launch process. On the bridge she noticed the "Relax Shana. I guess maybe you're right. First thing change in the sun; it was smaller now. in the morning we'll take off and get the ship ready to go. "Paul, God damn it Paul! Come out of it! We have to Right now I can run a shuttle diagnostic and you can start get out of here now! I need you to help me get the ship on Vanguard's preflight programs," said Paul. He spoke course to Earth," Shana screamed. The anger had built with a calmness that a parent might use on a small child. up inside her so much she reached out and slapped Paul "Then I would like to get some sleep, that computer of across the face. "Why in the hell did you do this?" Theirs has made me tired." Paul began to show signs of comprehension. He "Okay, I'll get the ship ready for the morning," said became more animated and sat bolt-upright on the bed. Shana in a more relaxed tone. "Shana. . .they left, just before we got here. We missed * * * them by only a few weeks," Paul said more coherently. "I don't care Paul. We have to get out of here now or we Shana woke up to find herself alone in the shuttle. She will never have the chance to meet Them later," Shana knew immediately where Paul had gone and was frozen in fear of what may have happened to him. She made her said. way to the cluster of buildings she had found Paul in the "Is the ship ready to go?" asked Paul. He seemed to day before. The temperature was almost unbearable have not noticed her response. outside; she knew they didn't have much time. "No. The radiation has damaged part of the programming. I need you to help me reprogram it. I can't She ran inside the buildings, suspecting what she do it alone, there isn't enough time." would find and praying that she would be wrong. She "Help me to the bridge. I feel better, I'm just weak." found Paul slouching in the same chair she found him in the day before. The sight of his limp body stopped her in They could see the surface of the planet they were on the doorway. She stood with her hands over her face begin to burn off; their instruments told them there was trying to hold back the tears of horror and despair. no more atmosphere. "This is it Paul, look at the sun," said Shana from her Paul's face was devoid of all signs of life. He seemed to console. be breathing, but in shallow uneven breaths. Shana hur­ "My God, look how small it's gotten," Paul said. "It's riedly pulled the halo from his head and noticed that Paul about half the size now." had wired in a portable computer from the shuttle. He had tried to gain control of the alien computer with one of "It's dying. . ." She was interrupted by the shrill of his programs. This time as she removed the halo Paul did warning detectors all going off at once. not stir. "What happened?" * * * "We're being pulled into the sun. The gravity has in­ creased." "Paul, can you hear me?" Shana said. It had been "It's not. . just dying, it's. . .collapsing," cried Shana. nearly eight hours since she had brought him back to "Can we pull. . .out of it?" Vanguard and he hadn't moved yet. The ship's life "I. . .think so." support systems had brought his vital signs back to a The ship lunged forward, the hull screamed with effort. more recognizable pattern, but there was no guarantee They began pulling out of the collapsing sun's grasp with that Paul would ever come back. a final snap. Behind them the sun quietly fell in on itself, "Unghh. . .wha. . ." groaned Paul as his body jerked pulling in all the worlds around it, and left what looked with life. like a giant bruise in the space it had filled. 30 "Are we still.. .alive?" questioned Shana. The silence in EPILOGUE the ship was broken only momentarily by her voice. "Yes," was Paul's only reply. FROM THE REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR: "I can't wait to get back home again. In fact the cryo- The experimental ship, Vanguard, was sent on its sleep even sounds good." mission to reach the star cluster of Alpha Centauri over "We aren't going home, not just yet," said Paul. His five (5) years ago. On board were Paul Tragler, computer voice had taken on a slightly mystical tone. engineer/exobiologist and Shana MacUlster, "What do you mean, not just yet?" planetologist/biologist. We have not received any new information from their expedition for the past two and "I've set in new coordinates. We're going to visit the one half (2-1/2) years. Our astronomers here on earth and people that built that outpost." the outpost on the moon have confirmed that the star, "What?" How can we? We don't know where they're Alpha Centauri has burned out. We can only hope that from," Shana said. the Vanguard was safely away from it at that time. We "I know," Paul said. "Somehow I know." can only wait and hope that somehow Paul and Shana have managed to survive. Our prayers go with them.

A Bad Marriage by Jim Goodspeed Two lanes Two cars Coming from Two directions

Swerve Crash—head on They spin in Excited flames. Metal locked to metal But then ripped apart. They screech, then Stop.

Two cars Left damaged in Opposite ditches. Immobile, unrescued. Rain, snow, they Rust in place.

31 by T L. Sutton there she was **><*««>» in all her innocence Ink/Ben Perrin perched upon the edge you felt the gusting of the wind without thought pure reaction you ran to her to keep her from falling trying to help her to safe ground never realizing the edge was her home to bring her down would disrupt her balance.

32 (Essence) by SeanM. Shea And to think I'd put it in the freezer! The bottle exploded last night and the what was champagne Is pooled in frozen pink lakes of congealed froth I poured myself some popping a chunk into my mouth But the unseen glass Has cut my tongue and as the blood flows The Salt plus Sweet bubbles remind me of her Watercolor/ Genevieve Cadet

Old Friend Winter by Jim Goodspeed Falling in Love Saw an old friend Just a friend—nothing big by Sharon Moerler "How ya doin' Glad . to see ya unexpectedly, Wontcha come in." with thoughts, Ran thru the small talk eyes, In two minutes flat and But soon bored words, Nothing to say two And still there he sat people step Chit chat talk talk on His voice grew rougher the Please leave! same My ears screamed space Visiting is over in time. I dragged him to the door and Took forever—though it seemed it What time? isn't Time to go crowded I have a date with spring. there.

34 Bicycle Evasion by Ted Villaire Turn down an alley lock my bike to a dumpster He won't notice me on foot there he is—shit I should've ditched my jacket I'm invisible please, he gives another, this one recognition "you dumb kid, you could have caused an accident runnin that red," somewhere between ticket writing and lecturing a raccoon crawls from the sewer, waddles to his leg from behind for a Grounded Plane sniff and goes back down, he peers up to my by Kathy Randolph laughter with a tightened face and tells me I need a night in lockup. Suited salesman stands, Arms folded. Rocking on his heels. Nothing new but the city's name.

Children tear, bumping briefcases, while Mother checks her scream. Grandma waits for the connection They just missed.

A woman smiles through peanut butter lipstick, The picture of patience, Mentally measuring the reaction Should she roar her rage.

A couple croon at each other. Three extra hours They hadn't hoped for, Together.

Outside the mechanic Maneuvers one more turn. The cold water tap Is almost tight.

by Tracy Jackson And the Game Goes On Saturday, the ballgames play on, TV drone:

She sits at her machine Carefully she cuts and stitches, rips out and constructs the picture on the pattern envelope

He sits at the table studying his directions plastic parts spread before him glue, paints, exacto knife working with precision to make a perfect replica

a team scores: they both cheer, marvel at the replay.

35 Photography/7o/4«« Sterling

Love and Strangers by Jim Goodspeed I'm crawling through the desert My destination—a flowing waterfall Rarely I will come to A cactus I—so dry I crave it— Drink and leave Hoping to find that waterfall. . .

It's scary to think I may not find The waterfall— Caught somewhere dying of thirst Wishing I'd lived with The little I got from The cactus.

36 Photography /Jenny Wood