keepgoing.org :: Spring 2008

In This Issue

Edgar’s Birthday

When I climb out of the tub, there’s a wet, naked body in the mirror on the back of the door. He has mad scientist hair and the sunken chest of an old man, an old man who’s either been to the hospital or should go. An uncomfortable sympathy fills my chest, but I can’t look this person in the eye. FICTION by Thomas Boulan
The Spring in Our Step:
Our First-Ever keepgoing.org Writing Contest

We challenged our staff and regular contributors to write a brief piece about the moment that tells them when spring has sprung. Here’s what they say makes them melt. By Steve Spaulding, Christine Chase, and Blythe Hurley

Tough Guy

I got to know Tough Guy. He was very shy and very polite and one of the nicest people I ever met. Eventually I asked him about the switchblade.
By Graham Harry Smith
Three Poems

salt melts / and ladybirds / wriggle / from beneath rot Poetry by Ashok Niyogi
People Who Never Strayed Far

We speculate endlessly on the lives of my grandmother’s parents. Why did they never speak of Ireland? How, as immigrants, did they make such a fortune? Who did they leave behind in the old country — if anyone? No one will ever know.
By Sarah Cunningham
Seven Spring Haiku

so eager to please / eyes begin to see new life / the new weight of age Poetry by Patrick Hurley

Whoever Told You Life Was Fair?

Before college, I believed that all adults were mature and reasonable people. I truly thought that when I grew up and joined the adult world, I would be a part of a club in which everything is fair and everyone agrees on what is true and moral.
By Jordana Adler
The Tasting Game

“It’s easy,” she said, looking at her three participants. “I’m going to spoon something into your mouth while your eyes are closed. You have to guess what it is.” FICTION by Gabrielle Sierra
Three Poems

I’ve always loved Green Acres, especially the episode about the “pore key” that you have to turn to close the pores of your house before you paint it, otherwise the walls will absorb all the paint and the house will end up looking as ratty as before. Poetry by Mark Cunningham

Departments

Sights and Sounds

I Can Has...

By Blythe Hurley

Spotlight Site

How to Waste Your Time on the Internet and Still Feel Good About Yourself

There is a feminist bent to Jezebel, and it’s the kind of feminism I like: intelligent, sex positive, and with a never-ending “we’re just not gonna take this shit” kind of attitude. Instead of bewailing the existence of strip clubs, they instead point out the stupidity of laws mandating pasties (and find a great picture to go along with the piece).
By Blythe Hurley

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