Category Archives: National Issue 4 Spring 2026

“Why don’t we start with the bodies in the trucks,” Franklin said, placing his cell phone on the table in front of his empty glass and pressing record.     “Just keep my name out of it,” Lopez replied. “Don’t worry. You’ll sound like a cross between a mob informant and a serial killer.” They sat inContinue reading “Transgression – Frank Matozzo”

I am the one holding the lit match.                  And I am the one burning. And                             I like that the fire is kind enough                   to leave me a body in another form. And I am the one pouring the                    water of my eyes to quench the fire.                             To soak the weightContinue reading “Self-immolation – Gospel Chinedu”

Cracked stone throbs like sorrowful hearts, Their stones ajar as an open maw. Midnight drips from the rafters, waxen, Air damp with musk. My skin appears bare— Absent of scratched metal, Chilled at the thought of missed battles, Ghosts appearing as brands. Their whispers no longer a shock, Inflicted with madness long Before my firstContinue reading “Pyre’s Night – Audrey Donnell”

Content Warning: This piece discusses homophobia, discrimination, and hate speech directed at LGBTQ+ people in Africa. It includes depictions of social and familial rejection, historical references to medical abuse, and job loss due to sexual orientation. It directly references suicide. Readers who may be affected by these themes are encouraged to engage with care. HomosexualityContinue reading “A Most Difficult Life: Ignorance Takes on a New Meaning in Africa – Tony Njoroge”

Picked up and taken to sea in her dying waves melting across rock and sand smashing its arms into boulders eager to bruise I’m sinking in the bathtub with melting ice above craters like whirlpools near my feet taking ships and whales sucking us all the below where infinity spheres bodies loop around rope tiedContinue reading “My Bathtub (the Pacific) – Breanna Jones”