literature

Whether written centuries ago or just last year, literary couples show that love is timeless.

Arabic Calligraphy, Islamic Art, and a Little Black Notebook
“And that’s why my property taxes are going up? For the radical left-wing indoctrination of my youngest daughter?” Hannah lowered the volume pumping through her earphones as her mother vented.
By Hekmat Aboukhater5 years ago in Humans
Dreams.
Dreams. Pastel pink clouds faded in the golden sky as the sun set on city lines. If one was out, enjoying the hug of a spring breeze and the smell of food from a variety of restaurants ready to satisfy any craving, then it could possibly be described as the perfect end to the day.
By Bianca Valentin5 years ago in Humans
Hannah's Diary
Hannah's Diary The Great struggle with life is finding the purpose in it all. It is truly an ironic existence to have to wait to fulfil our purpose and a tragedy never to get that chance. Luckily, reader, what I will share is a story of how I was fortunate to find mine.
By Maffu Bibase5 years ago in Humans
A Way Out
A Way Out: A Short Story It was her 3rd week of writing in the little black book. He would sometimes peek at the contents. She had intertwined favorite quotes, a recipe or two (when was she ever cooking?), three gratitude platitudes a day, some class notes from a manifestation course she picked up, and one flattened peachy-pink flower that reminded him of her laughing blush. She didn't blush or laugh much anymore. She was too busy writing her way out. She was a toucher; she liked things she could pick up and hold, feel their texture. Their place had filled with magical, feel-good baubles ever since he’d met her, blue velvet ribbons around his blackout drapes, smooth and shiny selenite bookends, the softest towels, even the kitchenware had cozies. She once told him she wished that she had his soft skin. Sometimes he thought he caught a moment where she caressed the soft leather right before setting it aside and fixing her tea and getting down to business. If she felt him looking, she might for a hesitant moment slip a sideways glance his direction and he’d smile. She could feel him smile. He knew that. They used to pretend they could feel each other’s gazes just before they journeyed up the body to meet the other’s —- he wasn’t always sure that was true before or that she felt it just like he had, but now he was sure.
By kat5 years ago in Humans
The Gift of a Notebook
Kindly reader, you must be tired by now, but permit me to tell yet one more story. It touches not only upon the work of a writer—who must constantly traffic in fleeting details and incidentals—but also upon the life of any person who day after day must remind themselves of a number of tedious objectives. Naturally, my story has to do with one’s most vital companion, the little black notebook. It is perfectly suited to life’s journeys, both within and without; hence St. George would find one just as handy to record his impression of the dragon’s mesquite breath as would St. Jerome, the scholarly saint, to record his latest clever translation of an ancient Greek poem.
By Willa Chernov5 years ago in Humans
Laura’s Promise
Laura’s Promise And the little black book There where a hundred pages of promises bond in Italian leather. The bookmark fasten to the book forever forgiving laid on the ink tear-stained page of her worst unkept promise.
By JD Helfert5 years ago in Humans
The Painted Lady
Southern California. Thousands of black silhouettes float, backlit by the sea. Migrating in passing shadows, a collection of fragments. Almost without gravity, like cottonwood when it falls. A broken tessellation. An unformed image.
By Stephanie Cristello5 years ago in Humans
The Island Where They Leave Them
Her soul was doing cartwheels again, like it had before, like it had on that clifftop in the moonlight when everything was ending and beginning again. When she had watched the flutter of white descend, as though in slow-motion, and embrace the wild waves below. When she had watched the tiny raft disappear for what felt like the hundredth time over the horizon. Her heart had descended into the sea with the piece of white fabric, just as it was doing now.
By Elena Maldonado-Dunn5 years ago in Humans
SMRZ
SMRZ They were in the swine barn at the Iowa State Fair. Gramps had steered them away from the industrial fans to a stall containing a pig breed he recognized.
By Cleo B5 years ago in Humans
Texas Heat — Part 1
A thin line runs between betrayal and sacrifice. Figuring out the difference could cost a man his heart. Pedro leaned over and placed a hand on Corey’s shoulder. “Corey, it’s time to quit, man.”
By Lynda Coker5 years ago in Humans
20 Ways to Change Your Life
Jordan made a face as he sipped his blackberry ginger kombucha. He missed coffee terribly, but his stomach could no longer handle it like it used to. That was the story of his life lately. There was so much he couldn’t stomach anymore, literally and figuratively. He was getting old, and wondered if 48 was too late for a midlife crisis. It certainly felt too late.
By Guenneth Speldrong5 years ago in Humans
Steven Said.... Top Story - March 2021.
All I ever wanted was designer clothes. Every morning I write in my little black notebook of all the designer items I need from Chanel, Gucci, Dior and Givenchy so I can keep up with all the celebrity trends. Steven, once told me to write down everything you want onto piece of paper then one day it will come true. So that's what I've been doing.
By Bethany Gordon5 years ago in Humans