Joe Swanson

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Oct, 2020

Stories (83)

83 Stories

1252 karma pts

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“Today's Tomorrow” by Joe Swanson

When I think back on my day, I can’t believe it actually is over. Much like the week, month, year, ten, twenty years gone. I spent most of that time planning I assume for something. I don’t even remember what it was anymore, but I must have believed it was important at the time. It is just that life goes by so fast, I don’t remember most of it happening. Tomorrow is a new year. I normally don’t pay much...

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“Forgetting Something?” by Joe Swanson

“You don’t remember anything?” “Nope, not a thing.” “Doesn’t that bother you? I know it would bother me.” I don’t really know when it began, because it isn’t like you get hit in the head, end up in the hospital and don’t know who you are or where you are. It is slower than that. It’s more like you can’t find your glasses. You know how someone always points to your head cause that’s ...

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“Other's: Lives” by Joe Swanson

“I was driving on the 5, when this truck up ahead of me slams on his brakes. That’s why I don’t like driving behind anything I can’t see around or over. Like to know what’s up ahead, just in case. Well this was one of those just in case times. A metal pole came flying from nowhere and went through the windshield just inches from me. I could have been dead, but I’m here talking to you.  I want to know how come ...

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“Past Due” by Joe Swanson

When Abraham Bean stepped from the curb into the path of the oncoming bus, he said a prayer while closing his eyes, and kissing a metal cross that hung from a chain he’d found next to the dumpster at the corner market. He didn’t quite know what to expect, for he didn’t believe in heaven or hell, or limbo for that matter. He believed in nothing; absolutely nothing. He wasn’t always so bla...

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“Revolution In the Air” by Joe Swanson

Jimmy Bob, lived on the thirteenth floor of Abercrombie and Flinch Building. Bob James, lived in the basement of the same building. Jimmy lived in the penthouse, having access to a rooftop with apocalyptic views of the city.  Bob lived next to a boiler that was heard to be possessed.  They shared one thing in common: noise.  The route of Santana Gomez, included the 4 AM dumpster pick up, and subs...

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“Time Served” by Joe Swanson

“How many commandments do we have?” “Ten, last I checked.” “How many amendments to our Constitution are there?” “I don’t rightly know; twenty, thirty…why?” There are times when we find ourselves entrenched in a physical or mental activity, when we become so overwhelmed by repetitiveness, that we become essentially comatose. Incapable of mental and or physical functio...

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“Know Boundaries” by Joe Swanson

There is a place that exists only in our minds, or at least I believe it does. A place where decisions are made. A place free from influence, other than the influence we exert. You may not recognize that place, but it does exist. It is the place where morality and or ethics dwell.  I can not point to that place, or even define it, if I were asked too. It is a place built on a past, a vision of a ...

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“A Time to Sew” by Joe Swanson

I had planned, we had planned in case of trouble, that we would meet here. It is a root cellar on the old farm. It is built into a bank, and but for the door, invisible. It is its protective facilities that we considered, when deciding on a meeting place. The first military vehicles arrived about a week ago. They come and go, so we didn’t pay an abnormal amount of attention to their presence. But after a week, and...

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“The Two Step” by Joe Swanson

Two Step “When I snap my fingers, you will awaken and remember nothing of what has occurred… So Michael, you are stating that the election as far as you are concerned is all but over. Do you really believe that, or are you just telling me what I don't want to hear?” “Does it matter? You know you have no intention of leaving. You have seen to that. You have corrupte...

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“What's Love Got to Do With It” by Joe Swanson

What’s Love Got to Do With It? “You made it. I had my doubts. What with everything going on I wasn’t sure you’d be able to get here. Any trouble?” “No. I am fortunate. Working for the airlines gives me a certain amount of flexibility others don’t have. I do not apologize for that. Everyone has advantages others can’t utilize. It is the way the world works.” Jean believes in a world that exis...

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“Dear God” by Joe Swanson

Dear God, it’s… that time of year again. I sit here thinking of what to write. I know I’m a little old for writing letters to a presumably fictional character, known around the world for taking much of the spice out of Christmas, at least as far as the One and Only Son is concerned. But never the less, I believe it is good therapy and I recommend it to all. No one actually believes they are going ...

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“Sticks and Stones” by Joe Swanson

Sticks and Stones “What do you call that?” “What do I call what?” “That thing you have there. What is that?” I get that all the time. People tend to pay attention to only the things that bite at them or threaten too. It’s as if they can’t see what’s in front of them because they choose not to. I get it. Living in a time when one wrong step can get you killed, or worse, whishing you ha...

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“Linus” by Joe Swanson

Linus I’m not a conscript of nostalgia, but sometimes when you are cleaning out the closet, you find something that causes you to remember something you’ve forgotten about. It happens to me, most often during the holiday season. Why, I am not sure. Perhaps, it maybe that I’m at my most vulnerable, during that time. I was unpacking Christmas ornaments, when I realized that I had wrapped eac...

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“Dunce” by Joe Swanson

Dunce “We have been through the entire gamut of possibilities, and have narrowed our search down, too, you.” “Which job did I apply for, could you refresh my memory as I don’t recall wishing to change my position here. I am totally happy working where I am, doing what I do. I am comfortable and would have no reason to apply for another position, given that my position is not only satisfyin...

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“Flim Flam” by Joe Swanson

Flim Flam “You are telling me you don’t even own a gun. You’ve never even shot a gun. You are afraid of guns, and yet when we tested your hands for residue, we found evidence of gun powder. Please explain.” I like to go over the evidence before trial, especially one I’m supposed to testify in. I find playing both roles gives me a perspective that helps once I get up there before the defend...

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Author bio

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