Slam at the Benton: “Splinter People”

by Kelly Stoldt (2017)

Splinter People by Kelly Stoldt My mother has announced her worry That living in a single dorm room is bad for me. She asks if I’ve been socializing If I’ve made friends Leaves out “since the last time.” I tell her I’ve gotten really close with my mattress (It goes by many names and I… More Slam at the Benton: “Splinter People” by Kelly Stoldt (2017)

Slam at the Benton: “The Anthem”

by Mary Kozan (2017)

The Anthem by Mary Kozan i. The bungalow colony was in its heydey. Blondes unfurled Their legs on plastic deck chairs, laughing like advertisements Over bottles of Coca-Cola. Their children pissed in the pool and shrieked With joy. Tits sagged in one-piece floral bathing suits. My grandmother (then, in the throes of beauty) waded in… More Slam at the Benton: “The Anthem” by Mary Kozan (2017)

C. Buddingh’ – “The Hyena” – Translated from the Dutch By Matthew Ryan Shelton (2016)

Empirical Science has often shown a reputation up: the old Egyptians held him in high esteem, and Pliny held that the stone he carried in his eye, the hyena, laid under the tongue, would grant him sight, into the future. Alas, all he carries in his eye is a cockeyed look of hunger and alabandical… More C. Buddingh’ – “The Hyena” – Translated from the Dutch By Matthew Ryan Shelton (2016)

“Summer Long Gone” by Linda Drake (2009)

We were sun-baked and freckled in our halter tops and shorts. Salty from swimming the day away. Full of energy after corn-on-the cob and BLT’s. Eager to ride the merry-go-round at Sound View. Joking about who would catch the unreachable golden ring. Giddy as Grandpa bought us glazed doughnuts for Sunday morning. The sky-blue-pink evening… More “Summer Long Gone” by Linda Drake (2009)