Stories and poems that have made it into our recommended reading section are hand picked by our staff. They have been identified as exceptional pieces of writing, which warrant separate recognition.
Stories that are part of a series, or novels that have made it into this outstanding series section, are nominated by our staff and awarded by a select panel. These stories have been deemed superior as complete works and have garnered special recognition.
You are almost certainly guaranteed a good read, if you've selected a story from these offerings!
The river, smooth as a land-locked pool glows silver below us, and the snow crunches under our feet as we stroll towards the mid-point of the bridge. So many times, my searches for nature’s gifts have led me here. But never in winter. And never with a wom...
It is peaceful now, the lake silent and cold. I am the last as I look back toward the now-distant shore. My wife and my children are safe and warm in our home. I will never see them again, not in this life. The hoards from the north have made sure of that...
“And I hate that picture too.” He turned to look at the new target of her ire. “Lake Hintersee? But why? It’s beautiful.” “That lake was beautiful but that picture is just like you. It’s boring and empty. Your eye gets drawn to the dead centre. Dead, empt...
Snow danced and swirled, driven across the lake by brisk winds. Jenn looked out her cabin’s window and sighed. She put more wood on the fire. The cabin was small enough that a wood stove was sufficient for heat. Sitting at a table by the window, Jenn leaf...
It may be fifty years since we got married, but it only seems like yesterday. Half a century has gone in the blink of an eye. Five decades of happiness and woes, triumphs and failures, laughter and tears. Memories come and go, but one day I will always re...
It is just a snowflake they tell me. But to me, he is everything. He is my start and my beginning, my alpha and omega, my exodus and my stage left standing ovation. No, I know it doesn’t make sense to you. If you’re like everyone else, you think I’m delus...
My neighbors, I imagine, know me as that guy who stands in the middle of the street for no apparent reason. Is he okay? they probably wonder. Perhaps someone should call 911 Okay. It’s a little embarrassing, but I’ll take the hit Trees block our windows;...
I am running Running as fast as I can Heart pounding, lungs burning Scurrying through the undergrowth Frantically dodging and stepping I am frightened Oh, so frightened For they are close now So close Seeking me out But then Then there is a second A breat...
I think I get caught up in others To avoid my own reflection. When self-doubt and depression smothers I’m called for decompression. I think I get caught up while they swim in despair While tears fall steady and slow And not all moments should be shared Wh...
If I could write a poem, I’d celebrate her style How roses blush in envy, At the radiance of her smile. As I sit in awe, just watching Her form, aglow in silken white. Now she waits, in peace and loveliness For her chosen, loving knight If I could write a...
Waking from my slumber, my eyes open Grateful darkness isn’t yet complete Staring out the window as despair creeps in While my vision skews the lights from the street. There was a time when things were much clearer A happier existence ere lights blurred A...
In exhausting dreams, There is no solace, no peace In unconsciousness, There is no escape; fears release Thoughts morph into demons, Stalking, Watching, Preying, Panic sets inAs courage weakensWalking, Running, Sprinting As claws dig into flesh No turning...
You may think me a friend From the moment I started But my wonderful gift You just took for granted You wish me away At times of great sorrow Put off from today The things for tomorrow With each passing moment The stronger I get Only when I’m gone Do you...
Imagine, If you can. A place where you can hide. Safety in anonymity, Rather than, Reveal yourself where you reside. Peace, Sought yet rarely found. Comes in the smallest doses. Like cat’s feet in grass, It comes with nary a sound. Just a click of the doo...