Author Archives: tributaryjournal

Failure by Rafael Vazquez Quintero

Daniel Marsh’s arm bent around the two white sheets of paper on his desk. Halfway through filling the bubble on his answer sheet, he heard the hushed voice of Nicky Smith to his left, followed by a swift kick to his sneakers: “Let me copy, four-eyes.” Nick Smith was the menace most kids in Mrs.Continue reading “Failure by Rafael Vazquez Quintero”

Justice’s Signature Ballad by Louie Alexandris

The sun had started to dawn in the East. Its youthful rays spread across the wide swath of the barren plains and dusty dunes. The streams of light baked the ground underfoot into fine silica that seemed to flow every which way with the gentle breeze of the winds. Out of the sands, sun-baked stonesContinue reading “Justice’s Signature Ballad by Louie Alexandris”

The Arresting by Louie Alexandris

Caravaggio and me hanging in the back, Me and Caravaggio hanging way back. We sing, we dance, we know no better Then the blessed rest, for the great sacrifice Of the fleshed man. Still, when I awaken in a cold sweat, And sing my foolish song; Horror, Horror, Horror To the man of that day.Continue reading “The Arresting by Louie Alexandris”

Letter From the Editor – National Issue 2, Spring 2024

The Tributary is ecstatic to produce the second installment of our national journal. This issue deals with personal turmoil and growth. Everyone will end up in situations that are not ideal; how you grow from and deal with the situation is what matters. Allow yourself to blossom into your true skin. We at The TributaryContinue reading “Letter From the Editor – National Issue 2, Spring 2024”

Table of Contents

Poetry Catwalk Through the Apartment by Thatcher Gunnells F.O.M.O. by Thatcher Gunnells Tea by Alexandra Marusko Fiction Redneck Royalty by Gray Kishbaugh Art House in Ink and Watercolor by Ava Lindsay The Mandrake by Grace Roat Fallen by MK Pictures from Max’s Portfolio by Max Wilhelm

Letter From The Editor – Fall 2023

The Fall 23 edition of The Tributary was created to prove that art and creativity can be found in everyone. As The Tributary grows and we proceed in a digital format, we decided there is no need for editors to submit their own work. Instead, it is much more valuable to showcase the diverse voicesContinue reading “Letter From The Editor – Fall 2023”

Fallen, Tea, and Pictures by Max Wilhelm

Fallen by MK Sarah Madison Kracker, MK, is a first year and has plans to double major in Creative Writing and Art (A concentration in 2D Animation). MK has been drawing seriously going on for about 9 years now and hopes to involve their passion for art in their future career. MK main medium isContinue reading “Fallen, Tea, and Pictures by Max Wilhelm”

Redneck Royalty and The Mandrake

Redneck Royalty by Gray Kishbaugh I remember the day you watched me die. It’s hard to forget something like that though. My lifeblood pooling on my fingers, hot and too alive; my heartbeat’s thump quieting in my ears; a dozen eyes on me watching and waiting; our father, fangs glinting in the dim light— IContinue reading “Redneck Royalty and The Mandrake”

Catwalk Through the Apartment, F.O.M.O., and House in Ink and Watercolor

Catwalk Through the Apartment by Thatcher Gunnells I come back at four, reeking of that same peachy drink and grease from the fryers. It lingers on my hair, my clothes, my futon, and even your freshly licked fur coat. Holding you still and scrubbing the alcohol off of those tough-to-reach spots is a problem forContinue reading “Catwalk Through the Apartment, F.O.M.O., and House in Ink and Watercolor”

Testosterone by Aiden Brown

The butterfly’s broken wings fall to the ground, landing in my pile of oily compost—waiting to be repurposed. I bet the creature wishes, in its last moments that it could crawl into a cocoon again, and save itself. I bury the Monarch and watch as the soil stirs red. New hair follicles bloom in placeContinue reading “Testosterone by Aiden Brown”

Medusa by Sunshine Offerman

i want these hot truths to slither out of my mouth, with scales that shine like suns, and i want people to clamber and scramble to grab hold of them and stuff them in their pockets. i want to look up to a sea of myself, gripping my snake truths like offerings, grasping to containContinue reading “Medusa by Sunshine Offerman”

9 to 5 by Thatcher Gunnells

Over two months of “hard work” have finally come to an end. The rest of the cast embrace one another, a python’s grip sapping the last bits of strength from their bodies. Adrenaline carries them to the wings. I remain frozen, waiting for the all-too-familiar muscle ache and shredding of my vocal cords to doContinue reading “9 to 5 by Thatcher Gunnells”

Elimsport by Chase Bower

A tepid breeze brushed stalks Of wheat. My car sputtered as hills Rolled by, alvoces of mountain walks Carved in fields, grass like dollar bills. A diesel trail rose from the exhaust before I parked. A single street Hosted a market and fences of lost Livestock and signs: “2 miles, meat, 7 miles, Williamsport.” NotContinue reading “Elimsport by Chase Bower”