As I close my eyes and let the Valium seep into my bloodstream under my tongue, I imagine my happy places, just like my therapist told me. I let the tears fall from under closed lids like rain droplets from …
The Children of Bolling Air Force Base by Charlotte Kwong
We were the children of soldiers and airmen, and war ruled our blood. We terrorized the neighborhood with plastic lightsabers, garish nerf guns, and barbaric stories. We staged elaborate battles, splitting the neighborhood into warring factions with which to destroy …
A Veterans Day Tale of Struggle & Adversity by Devon Martinez
Andrew Stuckey is a black American veteran/hero who served his country through three wars. He wrote a book about his life called, Of a Black American Born. His wife, Marcelle Stuckey, was captured by Nazis during World War Two, because of …
The Affects of Alcoholism on a Marriage by Seletha Nelson
When one partner in a marriage is an alcoholic it changes the dynamics of how the marriage works. When we first started dating, I didn’t see the warning signs of him turning into an alcoholic. Call it love, call it …
A Lovely Day by Joshua Lee
I was woken up abruptly, “It’s time!” As we rushed out the door, I noticed how warm it was; the last few days had been cold and windy. It even snowed, which wasn’t typical for Virginia Beach; however, not this …
Walk by Abby Gaydos
Convince yourself you’re going to go. That’s the first step. You won’t want to at first; you’ll want to stay at home and read; or stay at home and watch television; or do anything, really, that involves staying at home. …
Dirty Fake Plant by Olivia Lemmons
Hanging from the ceiling, I see a pot of old dirt with a big fat plant sitting on top of it. Not rooted however, for this “plant” is just a fake one. Collecting dust in my room and not sunlight. …
Immigrant by Jaime Grajeda
They are often called “criminals” or “a threat to society” by mainstream media and politicians. They are misunderstood, looked down upon, and even hated. You’ve seen the word before—immigrant. It is used to describe those who are from unfamiliar places. …
Life as Music by Joe Barton
Spirit of Punk I am young, wild, and reckless. I am an anarchist. God save my family from the terrible little boy named Joe. The youngest and only boy of four and the child my parents wanted the most. My …
My Backpack by Hunter Hughes
It isn’t my backpack. Not if you go by the label. Still though, Samuel’s undersized camouflaged backpack has served me for years. He took care of it well, and of all the used backpacks only his smelled like books. The …