humanity

For better or for worse, relationships reveal the core of the human condition.

The Deep South, and Everybody Else!
I am 52 years old and married to a wonderful Texas girl named Misty. We have 3 kids, and at the time of this article, 2 grandkids. We also have 3 rotten dogs. I have had the privilege of traveling the world as a professional musician for 30+ years. I was involved in a serious accident in 2009, I weigh about 430 pounds, and am now confined to a wheelchair and on oxygen full time.
By Steven Crane Sr5 years ago in Humans
In Defense of Dreams
Every sidewalk hawker selling watches, records, flowers, and paintings of the city skyline were criminals according to the boy’s mother.
By Alex Johnson5 years ago in Humans
The Calligraphy Artist
It started with a pigeon. Once again, at 6am, Molly woke up to the sound of aggressive cooing outside her window. “Oh my gosh, shut up!” said Molly, flinging the windows open.
By Alex Chen5 years ago in Humans
Second Hand Threads
The op shop was the only place in Myrtle Creek that 13 year old Maisie Becks cared about. A world of wonder stood before her every time she stepped through the beaded curtain and breathed in the warm, comforting smell of possibility. Not knowing what she would find each time was pure magic to Maisie.
By Ash Helmond5 years ago in Humans
Pages
She was only ten years old, but she was already accustomed to the language and expressions of poverty. “Maybe later” meant “no.”
By Christian Foster5 years ago in Humans
The Gift of Time
My time here has not been very pleasant. This lonely stretch of concrete has been my home for nearly three decades. I have seen so many others like myself come and go, in brackish waves and trickles, as though humans with no home were as fluid as the tides.
By Dustin Dixon5 years ago in Humans
Something to Remember
The bleak day had finally arrived. Alison stood in the cold. Her hand shook in the wind, the $20,000 severance check fluttering in her fingertips. Many of her friends hadn’t even received a reference after being laid off. She was one of the lucky ones, so why did she feel so awful?
By Christina5 years ago in Humans
The little black book
My great aunt Ina had been a recluse. We never saw her at family gatherings, she never invited us to her sprawling, gated, private estate. She sent no greetings on holidays. It was almost as if she didn't exist, just a faded black and white photograph tucked in a long forgotten box proved that she lived. Well, that and the birthday book.
By Linda Kaufman5 years ago in Humans
The List
THE LIST Thank you! I do not usually accept drinks from strangers, but I must confess, it’s been quite a day. A glass of scotch is hardly a celebratory drink, don’t you think? Blunt to a fault. Every day should be celebrated as if they are our last, true. The miracle of life and all that.
By Annie Holland5 years ago in Humans
Kindness in Action.
Is this a joke?. Are you serious?. $20,000. You are giving me $20,000. Why?. You Were There for Me when no one else was. Yes, but that was different. You were in dire need.
By Kathleen Merry5 years ago in Humans
Winning Objective
"Hey Luke," I said as I passed him in the hallway. "Maria." He nodded, focused on his cell, expertly unlocking his apartment door without looking.
By Michelle5 years ago in Humans
Luck of the Drawn
“How can you believe in this bull—” Marlene slams the driver’s door shut—cutting Lauren off—and looks up at the anemic overcast that hangs dully above. Their decrepit car sticks out among the others like the kid who busses an hour into school. She observes her twin sister Lauren with confused eyes; lost examining her physical features as if staring into a mirror.
By Noah Blaff5 years ago in Humans