“With my eye to the telescope I think of a legend from my childhood and hope that I’ll see it tonight. It’s about a Native American woman who lost her husband in a war. She gave up hope in people and happiness and the world so she traveled to the top of a mountain and jumped into the night sky. To this day her body orbits the earth, never decaying, always floating, always watching her home planet with an endless expression that might be guilt.”
-From “I Swear the Stars are Connected” by Cory Saul
Thank you so much for including me! The issue is beautiful. –Christina
Heat Lightning: vivid imagery. Makes me want to roll around in the wet grass on a hot summer night.
I’ve always loved Christina Harrington’s work. Heat Lighting is no exception. She’s grown immensely in the time I’ve known her, and I’m so proud of her accomplishments!
Loved Florida!
Just finished Florida. The writer evokes so much emotion without using gimmicks. I love that the MC is named Ruby. The images were so vivid, yet the language subtle enough that I read it twice, just to squeeze all the flavor out. I think I’ll go eat an orange now. 🙂
Nice work, Ms. Niehoff!
Heat Lightning: gorgeous images and a beautifully told story. It made me wish for summer.
Great issue!Personal Favorites: “I Sit In Your Window Day and Night” and “Heat Lightning”. Wonderful imagery and tales throughout the issue.
In this overall strong issue, I especially enjoyed the two poems by Rob Heath.
Loved “Heat Lightning” by Christina Harrington! I was really drawn into the story and didn’t want it to end.
“Heat Lightning” by Christina Harrington was exceptional. The imagery she uses makes me feel like I’m a character in the story! Fantastic!!!
Really enjoyed “Florida” by Linda Niehoff!!!
Maury Nicely’s “Wreckers” was a hauntingly quick read that sent chills down my spine and through my ring finger. I could taste the sea salt on my lips and feel the sand fleas nipping at my shins just above the tops of my socks. It was that good.
In “Wreckers”, Maury Nicely vividly conveys substantial meaning through an interesting story that is told in a very succinct and effective fashion – the art of good story telling. Marc Harwell.
Loved the story by Linda Neihoff!! “Florida” portrays the feelings that so many can relate too. –
It’s dark, cold and damp where I am. The “Wreckers” by Maury Nicely was a perfect read. The chill is all over. The story put me in the middle of the beach. That’s how one tells a story.
Wreckers is very good. M. Nicely’s writing is perfectly direct and descriptive. I want to know more!
Enjoyed my first read of Crack the Spine. Wreckers particularly struck me – I want to hear more from this writer.
Heat Lightening by Christina Harrington is a beautifully told story about two real people starting out in the real world. I could see the lightening and feel the heat of summertime.
Loved “Florida” by Linda Neihoff. I felt like I was there with Ruby and her grandmother feeling their disappointment and hurt. The images Linda provokes are stunning.
Florida by Linda Neihoff is a beautiful story. Powerful imagery evoke strong emotion. Great work Linda!
Adored the strange, somehow lovely hopeful note that Heat Lightning ended on. And Heath’s poetry is quite affecting.
Very Nice. It makes we want to start writing again. More Niehoff please.