The Composite Review – poetry, short stories and more by extraordinary young writers.
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’
His face stares back at her. Every time she closes her eyes. She is suffocating in her own mind, even there she has no privacy. He has violated her in every way possible. She only met him once. Five glasses later and his hands had visited countries they were never invited to. She only met … Continue reading Zuwena Mohammed: ‘Violation of Sanctuaries’
