It was the summer of ‘89when Leo and Jackie hiredworkers to replace the tan carpetwith a mahogany floor.It was a scorched earthfor three months.Leo’s fair skin burned.Jackie would slap him on the back.He shrugged off the stingshe’d laugh, making him chuckle. The newlyweds elected to leasean apartment in the meantime.There was a balcony overlookingthe Naches.Jackie caught a … [Read more...] about Lessons Learned in 1989: Empowering Women Today, By: Andrew Cyr
Love at the Ledge, By: Andrew Cyr
Mateo was on edge.The evergreen trees shielded warm rays.A creek flowed over a small waterfall.A brisk breeze moved through his hair like static.Mateo’s legs hung over the ledge.He kicked his feet and batted, asking Scarlett to marry him again.The tip of Mount Adams had a dusting of snow.A red-breasted nuthatch made a fast series of nasal,hornlike notes that echoed … [Read more...] about Love at the Ledge, By: Andrew Cyr
Navigating Love: When Calls Go Unanswered, By: Andrew Cyr
I sought to nourish my spiritAfter she missed my call.I was stuck on empty, running scared.When I became invisible to Lucia,I lost sleep over it, tossing in my thoughts.Lucia said she loved me naked in bed.She saw right through me.My tongue danced behind my lips,Biting the words that I couldn’t chew.Memory’s damned us between sheets.I was easy to ignore when she thoughtLucia … [Read more...] about Navigating Love: When Calls Go Unanswered, By: Andrew Cyr
A Fishy Catch, By: Andrew Cyr
Mason tagged Penelopeon a dating app,and three years later,Penelope told Mason he was itbefore their family and friendsat an altar in a white gazebo.It was a sleepy Saturday afternoon.The couple had their feet proppedon the maple tableas they peered over the balcony.Penelope sipped chilled vitamin waterfrom a frosty glass with rocksand a splash of rum.Lake Erie folded over … [Read more...] about A Fishy Catch, By: Andrew Cyr
Finding Forgiveness in Grief: Layla’s Journey, By: Andrew Cyr
Layla preached about Jesus at a megachurch, but after her husband died four years back from headlights that crossed the center lane, the wind in her faith fell flat. Those around her prayed she’d come out of the slump the devil devised with an empty tomb in her barren womb. Layla lifted her hands, praying beyond the hope she had left. The congregants grew in faith at her words … [Read more...] about Finding Forgiveness in Grief: Layla’s Journey, By: Andrew Cyr