Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
Slowing Down the Shame-Nami
Have you had this dream? A fun day at the beach, sun on your shoulders, sand between your toes. You're loading up on sunscreen, when suddenly, a rumble. A collective inhale sweeps across the beach as, quicker than realistically possible, you look up to see a tsunami almost upon you. You run, ankles bending this way and that. Sometimes you make it, sometimes you don't.
By Chelsea Delaney5 years ago in Psyche
I am the Trout
The orchard was in bloom. Old life emerged from its cold, bare slumber, once again in bloom under the clear, blue sky. New life blossomed from the soft, fertile ground. Among the new life was a young tree, no taller than a metre stick, claimed by a blue bird as its favourite resting spot. All was well.
By Rony Aleman5 years ago in Psyche
Silver Linings Playbook is not a story about how love cures all
Silver Linings Playbook has long been one of my favourite movies. David O'Russel did a genius job of adapting the novel into an explosive screenplay with a huge heart, much like our main characters Pat and Tiffany. Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence gave performances of a lifetime, earning both Oscar Nominations and a win for J-Law. With O'Russel's direction, the trio went on to work on American Hustle and Joy following the success of Silver Linings Playbook. But upon its' release, many voiced concerns that the movie adds to stigma surrounding mental illness and its' treatment. The narrative structure, culminating in the two main characters falling in love and deciding to be together implies a "happily ever after" that we know is not realistic for anyone, let alone for people suffering from long-term psychiatric conditions. But I'm here to argue that this was not the filmmakers intent. Let's break it all down.
By Corinne McCafferty5 years ago in Psyche
In Case of Loss
I was dark when I walked home that night. The clouds had eclipsed the moon and the streetlights were dimmed by overgrowth. The narrow road wound atop of the gorge and was lined simply by an old stone wall. I stopped on the bridge and watched the raindrops soldier solemnly into the stationary water below. It was soberly peaceful. I felt blissfully alone.
By Naomi Giesbrecht5 years ago in Psyche
A Disappointed Goddess
The stars have guided humanity across the globe from the beginning of recorded history. It isn't surprising that astrology has been used to help guide people in their personal lives for thousands of years. Humanity has a long history of striving to explain why things are the way they are by any means possible. At the dawn of it's creation, I'm sure astrology seemed to make as much logical sense as the theory of relativity or gravity does today.
By Wendy Sanders5 years ago in Psyche
Crippled and Crazy
My name is Steven Crane Sr., and this story is about me, so if you are offended by the title, you have worse problems than I do. I had the honor of traveling as a professional musician for 30+ years, but I also had the honor of being a paramedic/firefighter for close to 30 years. I have seen things that most people should not have to ever experience. I also had a very serious auto accident in 2009, on the way to a medical call, that caused several medical conditions that now have me in a wheelchair full time as well as on oxygen 24/7. Therefore, the crippled part.
By Steven Crane Sr5 years ago in Psyche
The Optimistic Cynic
Take this story with a grain of salt, as a truth no one particularly cares about, as a story from the desk of a certified madman. I found this short transcript while rummaging through an estate sale, an old, crumpled, unsent letter to a soul unknown. Take it seriously, if you want. Enjoy.
By Mental Sweat5 years ago in Psyche
The Stuff of Dreams
The Devil himself appeared in Magda’s dream one night. He was ten metres tall and everything she’d ever been led to believe; goat’s eyes, horns and legs, a woman’s breasts, snake’s tongue and bat’s wings. Fire, brimstone and acrid smoke surrounded him as he smiled purposefully at her.
By Jonah Jones5 years ago in Psyche
