The Composite Review – poetry, short stories and more by extraordinary young writers.
When maggots writhe on top of your stomach instead of butterflies which once swirled inside, may you realize that the four-letter word was nothing but a meticulously sugarcoated scam. Jinny Marietta Jinny is a 20-year-old poet from Kerala, India who enjoys weaving scientific and universal experiences into her poetry. Her work spans multiple genres and … Continue reading Jinny Marietta: ‘When…’
Gloria Epstem (2019 Miss Nebraska Pageant Coordinator, July 3, 2019, taken from her announcement speech): It is my pleasure to announce the contestants of this year’s Miss Nebraska Pageant. For the next month, our girls will participate in daily exercises, talent training, interviews, and community events that will all lead to the historic Meusely Theater … Continue reading Gracie Eland: ‘Case #6402: Opal Brown’
A week passed by, since she left that other night. I haven't seen her since, and I miss her like our first time. Sitting by the tree that's riddled with our memories, it's hard not to lose myself.'Hey, sweetheart, why so blue?' She asks. 'I thought, I may never see you again.' A knot grew … Continue reading Elvy Gerez: ‘Maria’
An old woman with a weathered face listens intently to the orchestra. Tears pool in her shining eyes, glimmering like jewels in her creased skin. As the alluring sound of the duduk travels through the room, she closes her eyes, allowing it to enter in through her veins. Transformed to a different place and time, … Continue reading 250-Word Flash Fiction Competition: First prize – Meghri Sarkissian, ‘The Sound of a Duduk’
Behind my back, rope binds my aching wrists. I can’t wipe away the blood that drips intomy eyes with each bump of the van.“Again? Really?”The driver ignores me, his ball cap shading his face.The man next to me holds a gun to my head almost nonchalantly. Its barrel is frigidagainst my skin.Cracked leather seats rub … Continue reading 250-Word Flash Fiction Competition: Second place – Em Dawson, ‘Cadence’
When you’re as shy as I am, you don’t win, you wait. You wait for miracles. In my waiting, I’ve learned that miracles come anywhere from two to five times a year. And that’s where I find myself now, trying to decide if this is one of those times.I’m on a plane bound for the … Continue reading 250-Word Flash Fiction Competition: Third place – Colin Garrett, ‘Miracles and Make-up’
The sea seems to take away all the pain.We lounge on the shore, our blanket sprawled upon the sand, the juice of wild blueberries still on our lips. Our bare feet are stained purple from the fallen berries crushed between our sandy toes.The sea breeze ruffles through your auburn curls, the freckles sprinkled across the … Continue reading Em Dawson: ‘Blueberry Lips’
Liquor on lips,Head in clouds. Rachel Wylie Rachel is a 23-year-old writer of poetry, short stories and screenplays, based in the United States. @the_paranoid_writer
The waves beat the Eternal shore Owen Reilly Owen is an 18-year-old Scottish writer currently studying at City ofGlasgow College. This is his first publication.
Hey Siri: Text mum 'Thank you'. I. James Isabelle is a 24-year-old PGCE English student at the University of Cambridge. Her Poetry has been shortlisted for the South Yorkshire Young Writers’ Competition 2018. @pausetobreathe
