Current Issue 2026

Sun’s glare bathed Casino in an unforgiving light.

Casino, blushed, angry at Sun’s parting words.

Night’s shift started. Sun left. Casino recovered.

Entering, I noticed her shivering at the exit. I watched as

finger-shaped welts bloomed—arms matching swollen eyes.

That handprint will be on file downtown.

“Do you need the police?” 

              “No, just a Marlboro, man.”

Smoke-tainted, wine-stained,

our fingers touched;my heart sang. 

I acquiesced and left, buzzing.

Rearview tears of merlot fall from my bloodshot eyes.

I search my memory as her memory fills my mind.

Emergency exit empty. No Smoking sign, no sign of her.

My heart laments her heartbreak and pleads, find me.

Smoke-tainted, wine-stained; I lost her, again.

Had our fingers touched? Had her heart sung?

Buzzed, I left unfulfilled.

Sun arrived. Casino watched as Night dressed quietly.

Leaving, Night whispered, “Sun doesn’t deserve you.”

Casino, tired and empty, awaited Night’s return.