Descend

“There, seeker,” intoned the elder pachyderm. “In that grove you will find the entrance to the underworld.” Abhita swallowed once and clutched her sitar. “Very well, I am ready. Lead on.” “No, I go no further,” the tusk-less male replied. “Elephants never descend into the shadows, whether for dream-jewel or life-treasure. Pursue your dead child on your own.” Abhita strummed Read More

Meditations

On the amount of prayer needed to maintain a pregnancy by Elisabeth Horan I never got down on my knees Begged forgiveness for my sin Never held the carpet close – Its fibers touching my chin. I should have begged specifically: God, let me keep this one inside Allow it haven in my womb – Not leave it for a Read More

Ele

by Agampreet Kalra An elephant clogged inside my skull Makes sound each time I breathe There I put my foot forth And here a trumpet rings out I sleep, I sleep at night. But an ant walks in through the cave – Stay wake-broiling, Bubbling, Cold stone blood, Itching the Ele. When I smile in the sunshine The purple bruised Read More

Fireworks

by Christine Taylor Some nights we sit up peer at the sky through the blinds we don’t know if what we hear   is what we think we hear:      thunder               construction          fireworks   bullets. I remind him   today is June 14, Flag Day certainly a cause for celebration he sets his beer bottle   on the Read More

I’m Not Going Crazy

by Normand Lepine Editor’s Note: Maintaining good mental health takes vigilance, self-awareness, and a good dose of laughter. Because if you never laugh, you might… well, go crazy. With that in mind, please enjoy these Top 10 Reasons I Know I’m Not Going Crazy. Top 10 Reasons I Know I’m Not Going Crazy 10. I never let my mind wander. Read More

Reset

Dr. Pam stood solemnly, watching her child transform into a monster. Across three screens, blue code tumbled in an ever-increasing cascade, while other interfaces flashed warning pop-ups and sounded alarms. Somehow, the AI named Eleph834 was trashing the Nets, Webs, and server prisons built to contain it. Soon, it would burst free to wreak havoc on the larger world of Read More

New Year’s Submission Wishes

A tumbling wave of fireworks, popping champagne corks, and glitter approaches. Soon, 2019 will sweep in, propelling us toward future shores. So while you prepare to body surf that beast, we hope you’ll resolve to submit some work to Elephants Never. To help, we present our list of New Year’s submission wishes. Surf’s up! New Year’s Submission Wishes Hopeful flash Read More

Forbear

“I mean, I know she loves me more than him. But I worry, you know, that he’s got too many chains on her – the kids, the house, their foundation. He will just do something to keep us apart.” Ken sat despondent, stuck in the tight corner of a love triangle. Around the table, his friends exchanged meaningful glances and searched for Read More

Winter Clothing Reveal

The results are in! Thank you to everyone who participated in our winter clothing poll here on the site, or through Twitter and Instagram. Now to present the winner: Icy Glass! We’ll be wearing this attire for the duration of winter, and you may see the other designs pop up again. Complete results are below for those so inclined. Clothing Read More