Stephen Laviera

“Where Confidence Dwells: Standing In The Face of Evil” by Stephen Laviera

This story centers around abusive raging alcoholism. The ability to reconcile the mind's restlessness is the most difficult workout. Regardless if you know your worth or purpose. Most especially if you come from an abusive or broken home. Jordan sat at his desk in science class fexed. Staring blankly ahead trying not to think of the hell he was going to in the next hour.“No football today boy. You get to see the man.”     Jordan shook his head to throw out the thoughts. In an attempt to silence the inner critic. As h...

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“Green River's Nightlife ” by Stephen Laviera

This narrative is based on the Green River murders. Which took place in Seattle Washington during the 1980’s. Gary Ridgway would dump his victims along the Duwamish (Green River) River. The narrative is centered around the emerging Seattle indie scene (grunge music) of the same time frame.      The daybreaks, the sun ascends into its throne. The holy rays peak through the blinds. Upon awakening, smiling in the comforts of her duvet. We spend a third of our lives sleeping. Lisa thinks as she opens the slide doors to h...

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“Rock and Roll Is Dead: Rest Easy Brother” by Stephen Laviera

     Imphermal is grandmother waking up into the dew. Serene the woods and foliage. On the way to the Summit’s Peak. Beaten the path of no resistance. If one should choose it. There lies a bench in the break of the foliage. Adjacent to a single Bodhi Tree. Surrounded by a plethora of Cherry Blossoms. A few steps behind the bench. Off center of the Bodhi. Laying silently, a still pond.          Victor finished his ascension adorning the Bodhi from his current distance....

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“Diary Of A True Seeker July 2066” by Stephen Laviera

“If it’s not sufficient enough to be laughed at, it’s not sufficient enough to be tao(life).                                                           -Lao Tse-      Time… A relative concept that adorns a plethora of perspectiv...

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“Memories & Time; Love Doesn't Have a Face” by Stephen Laviera

Submitted to Contest #260

     As dinner service winded down. Rocco got the attention of his Sous Chef working grill. A modern early twenties white boy. “John, I'm stepping off to do inventory, then prolly dip out. Food for thought though real quick. Point of contact is working, yes? Tonight was seamless. Every night should run this smooth.”     John turned from the grill. Tonging twin filets medium rare. Placing them on a sizzler. Then tossing it into the window.“I agree Chef, your system has worked and it prove...

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“Finding a Day One” by Stephen Laviera

Submitted to Contest #253

     Addison rushed back into her room from the bathroom. Deciding to change her outfit a third time. The thrill of not knowing the destination of the date. Only knowing it was going to be outside. She wanted to be comfortable to walk, as well as sit for a picnic. Both which Rocco stated were going to happen. Addison settled on a daisy and sunflower print medium length dress with sand brown flats. Feeling this outfit was the right choice. She merely skipped, strolled through the doorway. Her roommate's room was strai...

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“Path of No Path: Becoming No Name” by Stephen Laviera

Submitted to Contest #251

     “Pepe get your ass outta bed you’re gonna be late to school again! If the truancy officer comes I won’t cover for you. I’ll let’em lock you up!”     His mother turned from the stairs in the foyer. Slithering back into the living room. Sulking and watching her soap operas. Her morning usually consisted of berating and bashing her middle son Guiseppe. Her loathing contemptment of his father. She takes out on him. Of the three kids Pepe looks the most like Eto. The only daughter and the bab...

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“Where Confidence Dwells: What Makes a Hero?” by Stephen Laviera

Submitted to Contest #250

This story is centered around the grieving process. Handling the moment of the untimely death of a matriarch.      A coward and a hero feel the same way. Their actions are what makes them different. This Cus D'Amato quote ruminates around the frontal lobe of the deputy marshall. He nods to the sergeant he’s ready for action. Two deputies step up to the threshold of the door. He whispers as he rechecks his gun's action. “Ralph, Mikey on three, boys.”     The sergeant holds up his left han...

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“Paradise Lost” by Stephen Laviera

This narrative is a politically sensitive narrative. It comes from a place of mindfulness. Harboring a level of concern. Offering a change of perspective or possible resolution.Waking up before the sun has reoccurred so often. I now consider it to be the first thing on the itinerary of my morning routine. Aptly followed by five minutes of laying underneath the covers. Waking up while conjuring the mysticism that is motivation. As I hop into my boat. The routine is now a dubious unconscious flow. Yoga, light calisthenics, gratitude & medi...

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“In a Parallel Universe it Was Meant to Be” by Stephen Laviera

Submitted to Contest #244

In the story goes over a a miscarriage. Apologies to the reader if this upsets you.All the feelings, of all the memories began flowing at once from the scent of Brooklyn, my home. I cut across the street as one. To the other side of 21st. As I stepped back onto the sidewalk I felt my energy shift. Looking to my left I realized. I was at the front entrance to The Fiesta Building. Where I grew up. Hearing the wind come up through the tunnel to the back. Speechless as the memories calmed my eye site. Eddy holding the door open. While he, m...

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“Diary Of a Truth Seeker March 2066” by Stephen Laviera

Submitted to Contest #242

The early morning dew of Mother nature is ephemeral. The sun rises on its own timing. Never too soon, nor too early. An elderly man strolls merrily along an unbeaten path. Thoughtless though present he sighed with relief. Seeing the bench he always sits atop the summit. Where he’s watched the sun rise for the past fifty years. He chuckles with delight, finally comfortable in his uncomfortable dream.“Always pleasant when a vision comes from the beloved. I’ll be back in his bosom when I’m called.”     He sat in silence...

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“The Super Chronicles: Origin of Powers” by Stephen Laviera

Submitted to Contest #240

The night sky is beautiful, a cool breeze cuts through the darkness. Subtle highlights of purple and dark blue sweeping across the abyss. Making the stars seem to be within our grasp. Billy watched himself above the Cleveland skylight in Ohio. He gasped at the beauty of the night sky. Turning sharply to cross over the bridge leaving downtown. Sharpening his focus to see through the breeze kissing his cheek. Gliding faster he looks back as if he passed a meteorite followed by a stunning green. Stopping in mid-flight still gazing back and a vo...

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“Rock & Roll Is Dead: Goodbye Nancy” by Stephen Laviera

Submitted to Contest #237

To readers this story is centered around the death of a beloved matriarch. Stepping outside of myself to splash water on my face. Standing in front of the nearby hand washing sink. I won’t go back into myself. The voice of doubt sings ever so gently. Causing my nerves to dance to its melody. Its voice echoes through my body. The vibration bouncing off my aura. Making the hair on my back do the wave. My roadie hands me a joint. I rip it to calm my nerves. The stage manager asks if I’m ready. “Vince, are you ready? It’s time.” “VINCENT!...

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“Let's Get Something to Eat” by Stephen Laviera

Submitted to Contest #236

 Silence in its powerful glory. Calms the mind's complexities. Transforming the rigorous clamor of thoughts. While easing the tumultuous current of feelings. With his palms open on his knees. Rocco sits in lotus pose. Breathing deeply only to relax on the slow exhale. On the floor in front of his desk. In the still darkness of his office. Shave and a hair knocks on the door. Manipulating the silence. Awakening Rocco from his meditation. Rising to his feet, slipping his shoes on by the door. Opening it bewildered as he straightened his j...

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“Living On Without You ” by Stephen Laviera

Submitted to Contest #235

Maligned by how today unfolded. Accepting events as they come. For as they are. Had in ways been ferocious to control. Making a valiant attempt to withstand and bear them. Splashing water again on my face. Feeling as if I’ve been asleep the past few days. My perspective has come unraveled. I only remember excerpts.       My younger brother Scott barrels through the men’s bathroom door. The ginger man mountain coddles me over my shoulders. Asking if I had broken.  “Bro, you were screaming. It’s gonna be okay...

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