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.

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.

Visiting the Charnel House by Hilary Hares

Dark came to the Charnel House
by way of bats and roaches

Waiting for You to Come Back by Zoë Sîobhan Howarth-Lowe

I am sat cross-legged.

I have turned out all the lights and am sitting quietly,
just as you like me –

Lonesome October Lit: Halloween 2018

Welcome to our Halloween 2018 special at Lonesome October Lit.

Cold Case by Betsy Housten

for S. (1952-1977)

“And I… will write my story for my better self.”
– Elizabeth Barrett Browning

My girl – my better self – I’m so sorry. You deserved
a different ending, one befitting the performer we were,
smitten with allegro and adagio and each speed in between.

The Vision of Albaric by Jude Cowan Montague

I saw the e-waste, the e-waste stream,
bubbling scraps of a ghost-glass dream.

Hired Help by Elizabeth York Dickinson

Spilling over like remnants
ready for the dump, the car
piled pieces of a life.

Peanut Love by Chad Musick

Though she’s allergic to my peanut love,
mom makes the lunchtime sandwich each morning,
says a prayer, takes a breath, rewraps the loaf,
tempers my warm smile with her chill warning.

Mother by Amanda Crum

It can’t have been easy, growing up in that house on the hill.