Joe Swanson

“What Were We Thinking” by Joe Swanson

Submitted to Contest #81

“Do you think we made a mistake? You know the whole getting married thing.” “I suppose it’s possible. People do make mistakes, and we have certainly made our share. Little late to think about that, don’t you think?” “You left without a word, just gone. I know you had your reasons, but you left everyone wondering what they had done to cause your disappearance.” “It had nothing to do with anyone. More like when it's snowing, building up a little at a time until you can’t get the door open to get out, let life in.” I gu...

8 likes 1 comment 1

Read story

“Twice the Fun” by Joe Swanson

Submitted to Contest #81

So often those whose intentions are admirable, don’t consider the consequences of their intended good deeds. Placing a certain amount of presumption on the grantee, when considering the concept of good, can make them a bit uncomfortable.  Most often when considering doing something one considers good, charitable like, they are most often thinking of how they would react should someone impose a similar wish or action upon them. Now, given the fact that no two people, let alone a universe of people, are alike, the likelihood of meeti...

6 likes 1 comment 1

Read story

“Once Upon a...” by Joe Swanson

Submitted to Contest #81

“Did you see this? Love in the time of COVID. A bit plagiaristic, but I can see the possibilities. If it worked for typhoid, I suppose it would work for COVID.” “I think it was typhoid Mary it worked for. Cholera might have been what you were thinking of, or are you attempting to instill the will to create in me? Or could it be you’re just making conversation to keep from having to take out the garbage?” I wonder at times why it bothers me so much, but it does. Talent is something one is born with. To not use it seem...

4 likes 0 comments 0

Read story

“Glad to Meet...........” by Joe Swanson

Submitted to Contest #81

I was supposed to meet her at this restaurant. I’d never been there before and I don’t do this kind of thing usually, so I left early; make sure I was on time. Nothing worse than having to wait on someone you don’t know. Guess it would be worse if you knew them, but oh well, it’s all new to me. Jimmy’s, a kind of bar restaurant place, seen it, passed by, but never really thought of going in. Kind of place that don’t interest me really. I’m more of a Grandma’s Kitchen kind of guy. But anyway when they suggested I...

8 likes 1 comment 1

Read story

“Shoe Tyin” by Joe Swanson

Submitted to Contest #80

“You know, I been here. I remember that bone thing there. And that thing that looks like the ugliest bird you’d ever want to meet. You ever been here before? They got about five, six, oh I don’t know lots of floors of exhibitions. I think I’m going to sit here by the window on this bench. I’ve seen most of what I care to see in life, and I’ll just slow you down. Take the kids and go.” “You sure Dad? You going to be alright. Need anything?” “No, stop fussing. Just go. If I get bored, I’ll take a na...

12 likes 0 comments 0

Read story

“Yesterday” by Joe Swanson

Submitted to Contest #80

“Do you believe it is possible to do something, say something, that could actually change the world? The way people think, the way we treat one another. Are words enough to erase all the hate and chaos we live in? Look at all the people who have come before us that have tried. Did it really make a difference? Christ, Buda, Mohamed, Kennedy, King, even Hitler. All offered the promise of something better. But have things gotten better or does the fact we are humans and are constantly changing the meaning of success, happin...

6 likes 0 comments 0

Read story

“I Just Watched” by Joe Swanson

Submitted to Contest #80

He said it was something that I wouldn’t like, but I had to go. “It was just the way life is and pretending it ain’t, isn’t going to change it any.” My father believed that there were those born good, some born bad, most just waiting to see which way the wind would blow them. It was those he said you had to watch out for, cause they weren’t grounded in anything but what they got told to believe. I remember that day. It had rained earlier; the clouds finally give out and let the sun in. It was so hot that my skin...

5 likes 1 comment 1

Read story

“Rememberin Time” by Joe Swanson

Submitted to Contest #80

“That you…there in the picture.” Strange sometimes what brings back time from a place you’d forgotten. Couldn’t remember where I’d even put it, till my grand baby brings me this picture. Doesn’t seem like sixty years ago, but I guess it must me. I’m still here and I kind of think most of those folks from back then ain’t around anymore. I find with each passing day there’s one less to remember, one less to forget, but mostly just thinkin how much things has changed since then. Then again, things in some ways still t...

7 likes 0 comments 0

Read story

“Loophole” by Joe Swanson

Submitted to Contest #80

    “What’s that?” Breeze asked, as she placed the circular sticker, an earth emblem with an arrow penetrating its center, above the breast pocket of his new uniform.     “That is a Loophole.  It is my duty to inform you, that you are officially designated, a Loop,” her angelic voice announced.     What could be said in response to something as profound as that? B.L. Breeze said nothing. He continued to look at his hands, having little else to do. He felt as if h...

7 likes 1 comment 1

Read story

“Two Sides of the Same...” by Joe Swanson

Submitted to Contest #79

“What are you doing here?” “I could ask you the same thing, but I won’t. I know how upset you become when asked to explain yourself. I always wondered why that is. Do you have something to hide I should know about. I could help if you need it, and you would let me.” “Why do you always assume I have done something or am about to do something disagreeable? I don’t think I’m that kind of person, do you?” Our relationship has always been like that; rocky would best describe it. Different sides of the same… I hadn’t ...

5 likes 1 comment 1

Read story

“Misplaced Ideology” by Joe Swanson

Submitted to Contest #79

“Lost in the rain in Juarez, and it’s Easter time too.” The lyric seeking a place to find acceptance as the temperature neared 100 degrees. The narrow road evaporating in the heat, the yellow dashes dictating compliance, meld together as oasis form in the undulating wafts from the tar, as they rise to add discomfort to a marginally blue sky. The ocean no longer a promise but an illusion of itself, waits somewhere in the compartmentalized place in my mind where relief is no longer what you hope it to be, but has become a necessity a...

3 likes 1 comment 1

Read story

“Lost and Found” by Joe Swanson

Submitted to Contest #79

When the bell rang, I expected the usual; a package, someone wanting to save my soul. But standing there was someone I believed I knew. I didn’t recognize them, for there was nothing familiar about the person standing on the stoop with a package in his hand. My mind immediately jumped to the conclusion that someone had delivered a package to the wrong address and the mistake was being corrected by being delivered to the correct address. The person however did not hold out the package as I expected, but clutched it closer to hi...

3 likes 2 comments 2

Read story

“Unforgiven” by Joe Swanson

It began years ago. Before life existed. Before I ever thought of being who I became. Before I thought of anyone but myself, a fateful scenario, as we all at one time or another take our own council, when it comes to a future. We are prepared to shed our familial ties, friendships, whatever it takes to achieve a sense of freedom we seek, need. We never manage however to shed all ties, as that would mean abandoning the part of our lives and the people who contributed to who we have become. We have a tendency to keep w...

2 likes 0 comments 0

Read story

“What Goes Around” by Joe Swanson

Submitted to Contest #78

“I’m supposed to write a story about an unusual pet. Any ideas? I just don’t have the creative imagination you have. Or it seems that way to me. But then maybe, it’s just because you are old. If you can think of something, anything, please help me.” I would suggest, should I be asked, that the statement would be uttered by the majority of people given the identical assignment. The majority of people seem to have little, to no belief in their own ability to bring imagination to life. I’m not talking about th...

2 likes 0 comments 0

Read story

“Cheese!” by Joe Swanson

Submitted to Contest #78

“Why do you suppose we collect things?” “I collect things, because they become mine. I can make up stories about them. Love them, hate them, throw them away, or keep them in my heart.” “Do you collect things now?” “Yah, I was going to tell you about that. I could use some help if you’ve got the time. It doesn’t take much. You just have to primarily, keep your eyes open. Then just remember what you see. Easy, right?” “Better tell me first what it is you’re collecting. I’m not good with people, asking fo...

4 likes 0 comments 0

Read story