Best of the Net 2019 Nominations

Today we announce our Best of the Net 2019 Nominations. For those unfamiliar, Sundress Publications produces an annual Best of the Net Anthology to showcase online work. Submissions for the anthology, however, must come from the online publication that first shared the work online. In addition, for the 2019 anthology, the work must have appeared between July 1, 2018 and Read More

Cellophane Ghosts

by Amanda McLeod Dead jellyfish float  transparent in the void below my rib cage, invisible echoes of unforgotten pain. Ghostly tentacles, trailing translucent threads of agony against my lungs, my heart, drinking my oxygen, taking up space left for breathing, diaphanous, penetrating. I wrap myself in this  cellophane, unseen suffocation, extra gloss doesn’t hide suffering but shows no cause. Amanda Read More

Puncture Wounds

by Amanda McLeod You punch me full of holes and watch the life drain out until I am empty of anything that might be called happiness or love Darkness thick like dried bruises under my skin solidifies into flint hard, unmoving yet from the striking of me comes a shower of sparks a flame a sun I tear the holes Read More

The Artist Studies the Effect of Sadness on Her Own Face

by Amanda McLeod Sadness changes the shape of my face Lines of happiness get redrawn in a different direction with a heavy pencil that only pulls down Eyes have their sparkle  erased Hooded shields appear puffy, and the corners are tugged at by a memory that once, things were better Fine traces  of watercolour tears stain my skin a different Read More