Widow’s Watch by James H Duncan

The walk through the coastal forest had taken longer than any of them expected, but there it was, just as Jason had said it would be. The ancient mansion stood in an overgrown clearing surrounded by the dense, dark woods.

The Children by Emily Harrison

I was damp and tired when he finally showed up – August rain in the Dales is anything but fresh.

Beth’s Christmas Wish by Kimberly Wolkens

Christmas used to be Annie’s favorite holiday. This year she dreaded it. She tried to muster up even a tiny bit of enthusiasm, but it just wasn’t the same. Nothing had been the same since her best friend died last spring in a car accident.

The House Opposite by Hilary Hares

The house opposite
is allowed to sleep
through winter,

its cupboards hollow,
its corners scoured
of their spiders.

Post Office Delivery by Jennifer Ruth Jackson

+++“Did you get me some of the new holiday stamps?” Rebecca asked Jim, eyeing the various packages he was toting into the house.

House of Chains by Kathy Gardiner

Lady Lassitude is listless;
sits like a thistle
in that same chair,
legs bare.

Two poems by Vanessa Maki

the autopsy

my cold body was in the morgue
under a blank white sheet
until the forensic pathologist took it off
the fatal wounds were obvious

Winter Forest by Sanda Moore Coleman

A walk in the woods is not the same
as a walk in the park, of this much I am certain.

Remote Control by Jennifer Ruth Jackson

+++Pete stood at the foot of his little brother’s bed, clenching and unclenching his fists. Bits of wrapping paper still clung to his pajamas and sweat rolled into his narrowed eyes.