by Gates Ogilvie | Feb 15, 2024 | 2024 Finalists
I skim the instructions with haphazard intent as you maneuver around the cramped walk-in shower trying to wash away a day’s worth of dirt and stress. You said you were craving spaghetti, but all I can find is Chef Boyardee. It should be good enough, right? I...
by Gates Ogilvie | Feb 15, 2024 | 2024 Finalists
His eyes were never as blue as that first night while the sunset waved its yielding flags, the landscape of his smooth back a blank canvas. You wrote your name on my collar, that mendacious tongue, but soap won’t expunge a brand that goes straight to the marrow. To...
by Gates Ogilvie | Feb 15, 2024 | 2024 Finalists
A teacher, a paramedic, and a writer walked into a bar, sitting side by side in the corner on a dead Monday night. The teacher ordered a vodka soda, the paramedic ordered a rum & coke, and the writer ordered a gin & tonic. They all gave the bartender their...
by Gates Ogilvie | Feb 15, 2024 | 2024 Finalists
Laying Not-so-regal on the half-couch Feed me grapes Amongst sun-bleached pillars Pay attention to the summer freckles on my nose Please, not the fires in my eyes. Study me like art Please, miss the mark. Interpret. Assign me anything but me. The room is...
by Gates Ogilvie | Feb 15, 2024 | 2024 Finalists
An end greeted all too quickly, this final form is but a whisper of what you once were. Leaves are your iron, forged in fire’s nemesis, cooled by winter’s tears. Constantly contrasted, static sitting in the synthetic tundra. Days numbered, by the...
by Gates Ogilvie | Feb 15, 2024 | 2024 Finalists
“Oh,” said my mother. “That’s good.” She turned back to her dishwashing. “You barely looked at it!” The sweat from my hand had stained my first-place certificate. “Can’t you even pretend to care?” “Can’t you see I’m busy, Emma? I’ll look at it later.” “You always...
