Celebrating East End Writers of All Genres
Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry, Prose, and more

It is still dark and the deal-seeking-rule-follower in me is uncomfortable, “do you think it will be a problem that we didn’t show Abbie’s National Park Pass?” “Only for you,” Nick replies and we laugh. He’s right, I think as I look around at the cars that are also driving past the vacant toll booths. The reward for getting here before the literal crack of dawn is free entry. We locate the parking lot that yelpers agreed is closest to the observation area that several reddito

There comes a moment in life—sometimes after years of struggle, illness, heartbreak, or loss—when something inside you finally wakes up. Not with fireworks, not with fanfare, but with a quiet, undeniable clarity: I don’t have to live like this anymore. For some people, that moment arrives early. For others, it takes decades. For me, it began in my mid-30s, although it took years before I understood what was happening. I had spent most of my life believing I was obligated to l

Slowly, close your eyes. Invite the sun to rest on your face, warming you from outside in. Pluck the fragile flower. Bathe in the honeysuckle’s strong yet gentle scent. Drip its nectar onto your tongue, summer’s wine. Tuck the petals in your hair. Let the world in on your ear-to-ear smile. Suck on the overripe piece of pineapple as sweet juices slip down your arm. Your tastebuds bursting. Intertwine your fingers with mine. As I bring you close, feel the heat of my whispered