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  • The interview posted below was conducted by Jolene Rice, another member of A Writer’s Shindig, in response to the story Smoke on the Water. Authors from the collaboration were all interviewed about their work as part of the initial project. An author interview will be posted after the conclusion of each story in the collection.…

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  • Smoke on the Water: Part 2

    I previously posted a version of this story that was not complete. One of my fellow writers and blog readers invited me to a “woodshedding” writer’s group at the end of 2025, where I worked with other writers to improve and complete the story. It was a fun exercise in collaboration. All the stories from…

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  • Smoke on the Water: Part 1

    I previously posted a version of this story that was not complete. One of my fellow writers and blog readers invited me to a “woodshedding” writer’s group at the end of 2025, where I worked with other writers to improve and complete the story. It was a fun exercise in collaboration. All the stories from…

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  • What Is Lost

    It is not lost on me That I was sent away during holy times First, when we anticipated hope and light Born into the darkness Cast out among celebrations Of joy and peace and love. Is it not lost on me That I returned to find nothing but callousness A strangeness in the air that…

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  • When the shepherd is a wolf The sheep will never be at ease. It won’t matter how he tries to hide To comfort, to appease. The sheep might stop their stamping Cease their fretting and their cries They might become accustomed To his teeth and yellow eyes But the sheep will never trust him Never…

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  • If you want to cry at church You better do it in a dark corner Since seeing your tears upsets the people Who are there to feel good about themselves. If you want to cry at church You better do it in the back row So you’ll be far away from the pastor And won’t…

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  • The Ashes

    Watching what was left of you Get dumped out onto the icy stones Your bits of bone among the dust As the ash that once was your smile Piled in the place where they upended the urn Your wife in too-slick shoes For walking on rocks Held steady by a man who was mostly a…

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  • Piercing

    When they pierce you, the needle goes in straight  That’s why it hurts when you twist a corkscrew through the hole Even after you’ve healed.  Amazing how far your scars can stretch  When tested by a thicker bar  How your body will adapt and form A brand new shape for your updated adornment.  Harder though…

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  • I don’t take my kids to churchIt’s not a place I want to beFor ministers protect themselvesAnd not once protected me. I don’t take my kids to churchIt’s filled with gossip and with liesAnd loose-lipped friends who mean wellBut end up being spies. I don’t take my kids to churchI’d rather teach them to be…

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  • The Burning Bridge

    I have tried to avoid it The burning bridge at which I stand Which you continued to ignite Without a thought or plan What you would do when the fire Started spreading through the reeds How the flames might consume you As your callous, careless deeds Have consumed my thoughts for ages At your words,…

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