Latest Stories

Most recently published stories on Vocal.

The Static Flock
Unit 734 knew its purpose. To sanitize. To maintain cleanliness protocols across Sector Gamma-7. Its optical sensors registered particulate matter with absolute precision, its brushes hummed at calibrated frequencies, its waste compactors compressed detritus into neat, manageable cubes. Every night, it docked, a low thrum indicating power intake, diagnostics running in the background, a silent, efficient cycle. This was its existence, defined by logic, by order, by the absence of anomaly.
By HAADI20 days ago in Education
The Deepwater Palate
Elias felt the cold long before he opened his eyes, a damp chill that permeated the thin walls of his shack, seeped into his bones. It was four in the morning, same as always. The gulls hadn't even started their squawking yet, just the rhythmic, indifferent sigh of the sea against the shingle outside. He swung his legs over the side of the cot, the springs groaning in protest, a familiar complaint. His bad knee cracked like kindling, every morning a fresh reminder that time wasn't slowing down for anyone, least of all him. He pulled on his thick wool socks, then his rubber boots, the same pair he’d had since Martha bought them for his birthday, God, must be twenty years ago. The rubber was cracked, patched in places, but they still kept the wet out. Mostly.
By HAADI20 days ago in Men
The Lost Wealth of Cleopatra
The Lost Wealth of Cleopatra Egypt’s Missing Royal Treasure Mystery Cleopatra VII ruled as the last true leader of Egypt’s Ptolemaic Kingdom. People recall her as a strong queen, sharp leader, and icon of old riches. Her time ended Egypt’s freedom before Rome took over. Tales of her looks and loves with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony get much attention. Yet her huge lost treasure grabs historians, diggers, and hunters even today.
By Say the truth 20 days ago in History
Frosty Kiss
Ice crystals spangle on my lashes while your lips dazzle and melt me
By Harper Lewis20 days ago in Poets
Ink-Stained Shame
Rain lashed against the grimy window of Elias's studio, each drop a tiny drumbeat against the hollow in his chest. Dust motes, thick and slow, drifted in the single shaft of weak afternoon light that pierced the gloom, illuminating a space crammed with forgotten canvases, dried-up tubes of paint, and a half-eaten box of cereal on the floor. He hadn't touched a brush in months. His hands, once quick and certain, now felt heavy, useless things.
By HAADI20 days ago in Motivation
M a g g i e . Top Story - December 2025.
The scars on her wrists show she had lost control one time or another. Maggie’s mom gave her away at twelve, old enough to feel the brunt of abandonment, and to feast on rebellion.
By Natasha Collazo20 days ago in Fiction
Alexander the Great: Power, Glory, and Mystery
Mysteries of Alexander the Great Questions Still Unanswered About History's Most Puzzling Conqueror Alexander the Great ranks as one of history's top military leaders. At age 30, he built a huge empire from Greece to India. His fame hides deep puzzles. Parts of his life, deeds, and death still baffle experts today. This piece looks at his top mysteries. It sorts myth from fact and notes open questions.
By Say the truth 20 days ago in History
Anything But That, Honey
If you’ve been following my life for any length of time, you know it’s pretty quiet. I spend a lot of time wandering the digital halls of the internet, looking for inspiration. Recently, I found myself contemplating one of the great mysteries of the masculine experience: The Purse Hand-Off.
By Richard Weber20 days ago in Humor
Steam
Frost-covered ground, chills. A warm mug, frozen fingers. Cream, sugar, coffee. Heaven.
By Harper Lewis20 days ago in Poets
The Taste of Winter
Morning tea lingers In fogged glasses, warm hands, Spiced lips pressed to mine.
By Jessica Dowding20 days ago in Poets
Faultlines. Content Warning.
Concrete first. No, god first. No, pressure. Always pressure. ~ I stand. Or lean. Or am already falling and calling it posture.
By Iris Obscura20 days ago in Poets
Instead, two words slapped me across the face: Camel Shoes.
If you’ve been following my digital footprint for a while, you’re well aware that my life is about as exhilarating as watching a head of lettuce wilt in real-time. My daily highlights usually involve successfully pairing two matching socks or remembering to hydrate. So, in an act of pure desperation for entertainment, I went wandering through the Internet
By Richard Weber20 days ago in Education