Alison McBain

Joined December 2021

147 stories

Bio

Alison McBain writes fiction & poetry, edits & reviews books, and pens a webcomic called “Toddler Times.” In her free time, she drinks gallons of coffee & pretends to be a pool shark at her local pub. More: http://www.alisonmcbain.com/

Achievements (30)

Stories (147)

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The Lantern
There is cliché in a light that guides, a beacon or spotlight or lighthouse or porch lamp or sun or moon or stars—
By Alison McBain3 months ago in Poets
Waiting. Runner-Up in A Knock at the Door Challenge.
The flat pad of my paw strikes the door, and it makes a sound almost like knocking. After a few long, agonizing moments, I finally hear footsteps approaching.
By Alison McBain3 months ago in Fiction
A Sense of Self
I miss the sky I shouldn't be so selfish but I am. Knowing failure is the end result I still want to be in love again.
By Alison McBain3 months ago in Poets
“A door through the crevice of which the moonshine peeps in”*. Runner-Up in The Sonnet of Shadows Challenge.
Ma is empty space filled with meaning from Japan’s history. Mountain landscapes traced in black shadows, gray seas, creams yearning
By Alison McBain4 months ago in Poets
Shifting
undressed trees shiver as winds ring the bells of change autumn’s death rattle
By Alison McBain4 months ago in Poets
Harvest Samba
soft-spun curlicues olive, orange, burnt umber the lonely leaves weep
By Alison McBain4 months ago in Poets
From Apocalypse to Zombie
When the world is burning down, I must concede perhaps apocalypse films were sorta right— true friends are great to help you fight zombies.
By Alison McBain4 months ago in Poets
Stars Born on Earth
I spy a line of lights as bright as stadium spots— another low horizon beckons from the mountainside. * * * Winter draws them early
By Alison McBain4 months ago in Poets
Looking Ahead
Rain came down so hard and fast that it seemed edible, like noodles steaming fresh from the pot. All she could see were the dark streaks of liquid against the white cones of the Portland streetlights. The water splashed up from the ground as hard as it came down, so she was soaked from her feet on up, despite the protection of her black mac.
By Alison McBain4 months ago in Fiction
Blindly
Nothing— I see in your eyes. * I see in your eyes refracted light careening birds tumbleweed somersaults of other children.
By Alison McBain4 months ago in Poets
Performing Arts. Winner in Everything Looks Better From Far Away Challenge.
There was crying. There always was, on the first day. "Should I stay?" asked Helen, a thin woman who vibrated with nervous energy. She looked helplessly down at her wailing child.
By Alison McBain5 months ago in Fiction
Countdown of Perspective
When I first looked above my bed there were 3 spiders at the ceiling’s edge, each the size of my palm. They didn’t bother me so much,
By Alison McBain5 months ago in Poets