A Place to Leave Things

Tag: Creative Writing

  • Magnolia

    Magnolia

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    by

    Holly
    in

    The sun has chosen the magnolia outside my kitchen window as its pulpit– a burning blaze that turns every leaf into a flashing silver coin, hands of fire,  passing flames to the next sinner, as the whole tree trembles in a welcome wind. This congregation shall overcome. The light travels, streaking along waxed surfaces like…

  • Stagnant or Centered

    Stagnant or Centered

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    by

    Holly
    in

    The author reflects on the tension between leaving and staying in one place, emphasizing the discomfort of building relationships and self-discovery. Through various creative pursuits, they uncover aspects of their identity. They ponder the idea that true growth can occur through stillness, revealing that staying allows for deeper understanding of oneself.

  • The Mechanic

    The Mechanic

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    by

    Holly
    in

    NYC Midnight Flash Fiction (1000 words) 2026, Round 1 Genre: Ghost Story, Location: Filling Station, Item: Padlock Placement: 2nd Place The Mechanic Marty Hale’s eyelids dipped low as she traced her oil-blackened fingers along the mossy wooden fence, cold green springing into her fingertips seeking the heavy padlock, choking a bottle of whiskey with her…

  • On Truth

    On Truth

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    by

    Holly
    in

    I was reading A Lover’s Discourse by Roland Barthes, a fragmented exploration of the thoughts, fears, and private language created by being in love and all its stages. Rather than examining love from a detached psychological distance, he writes from inside the consciousness of the lover.  Early in the book, Barthes recounts what he describes as a…

  • One Beep, Good

    One Beep, Good

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    by

    Holly
    in

    A 100-word suspense challenge, a deadly boarding line, and the difficulty of ending on ambiguity. Plus a detour into Japanese horror fiction and the strange books currently haunting my dreams.

  • Opportunistic, Omnivorous Squirrel

    Opportunistic, Omnivorous Squirrel

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    by

    Holly
    in

    NYC Midnight 100 Word Challenge, 2026. Round One. Genre: Comedy, Action: Visiting, Word: Understand Place: 12th Title: Opportunistic, Omnivorous Squirrel My porch chairs, drenched in afternoon sunlight. Tiny visitor.  But can I just say something? That cushioned chair is made for humans, you know? And here you are, resting on hind legs. Fuzzy white belly.…

  • No Beber: A Florida Story

    No Beber: A Florida Story

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    by

    Holly
    in

    The narrative “No Beber: A Florida Story” humorously depicts a dog walk in Florida, contrasting it with a wintry Boston life. It features anthropomorphic lizards engaged in quirky activities, including arm-wrestling and smoking cockroach cigarettes, while highlighting the theme of reclaimed water with the phrase “No Beber.” The author’s struggle with writing comedy is acknowledged.

  • Afterglow

    Afterglow

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    by

    Holly
    in

    NASA’s report details the 2033 disappearance of astronaut Mia Emerson during a spacewalk, where she encountered a mysterious substance. After reappearing, she described a euphoric experience that hinted at a profound truth about existence. Though crewmates found no signs of distress, the recommendation for her institutionalization raised concerns about the treatment of non-conforming experiences.

  • The Tick

    The Tick

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    by

    Holly
    in

    The Tick Long walk, long grass. It’s called grounding now, you know? You stick your feet onto the Earth And it’s supposed to balance your entire being.  But today,  Today I picked up a tiny taker.  Eight legs and not a spider.  A fraud. Phony footsteps onto my arm.  I didn’t know he was there…

  • Gravitas of Greatness

    Gravitas of Greatness

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    by

    Holly
    in

    The poem reflects on the themes of existence, loss, and the inherent greatness within. It explores the journey of a celestial being, characterized by gravitas, as it navigates the cosmos, ultimately confronting its demise. Amidst the awe of its brilliance and the sorrow of loss, it questions the nature of grief and legacy.

  • His Lineage of Assholes

    His Lineage of Assholes

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    by

    Holly
    in

    I have a foul mouth, okay? I attribute this mouth to early access to Comedy Central when I was a kid, as I would spend my midnights watching George Carlin stand-up specials. I view profanity as added color, but also, sometimes, as fact. There are moments when no other word describes a person’s behavior as…