Sexism & Cowardice in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Or: Maybe Ichabod Crane Got What Was Coming to Him

It’s never easy to be “the new boy in town,” especially a small one like Sleepy Hollow–which probably felt even smaller before Washington Irving put it on the map with his classic short story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” And yet, this is what Ichabod Crane must be as he comes to town to fulfill an instructing position at the schoolhouse. It doesn’t take him … Continue reading Sexism & Cowardice in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Or: Maybe Ichabod Crane Got What Was Coming to Him

Ma Rainey by Timothy Robbins

Ma Rainey, in this picture your teeth take the place of song. The USPS usurped your face when they gave you a stamp. 29 cents. I hear you moan “The 29-Cent Blues.” This stamp is your only haven. Your flesh is an insult to Beyoncé’s muscles. Your tassels are tired mops. Maybe it would be different if you swapped your chipped sepia teeth for the … Continue reading Ma Rainey by Timothy Robbins

Dr. Patient self-diagnoses by Richard Weaver

an enviable array of illnesses, specializing in syndromes, from AHS (Alien Hand Syndrome) to ZES (Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome), certain of his skill in the way that certain people always are and have no choice and must certainly be. He has always been wildly allergic to doubt, never second guesses a decision, and has no Plan B. Even for someone such as himself with an advanced case … Continue reading Dr. Patient self-diagnoses by Richard Weaver

If Obituaries Were Like Personal Ads by Richard Weaver

Well-coffined corpse seeks permanent relationship without attachments or bother. Will consider crypt-sharing. Recently deceased widower drug and disease free with good sense of humor would like to meet down to earth never been married pansexual. Will answer all. Would like to meet fugly soul-searcher interested in watersports and rolling on the floor while laughing their asses off. Those fresh off the boat need not bother. … Continue reading If Obituaries Were Like Personal Ads by Richard Weaver

Ron Kolm’s A Change in the Weather: A Continued Love Letter to the Details

Ron Kolm, an institution in the formerly symbolist New York City literary community before it became rife with phony baloney bullshit based solely on who you know instead of the grit and realism of the offered content, is at it again with his latest work, a collection of poetry called A Change in the Weather. Released by Sensitive Skin Books, each poem is a testament … Continue reading Ron Kolm’s A Change in the Weather: A Continued Love Letter to the Details

Maroon Gardens (For Destiny the Dreamer) by Alex R. Encomienda

In time this brittle heart will sadly perish, My writings will be lost and soon forgotten. With soils of roses growing every springtime, This garden’s watchful gaze will keep you warm. Like scarlet letters from a weeping woman, This chance to come to terms with death is crucial, And dear, this garden touches every heartbreak, So weep no more, my humble little dreamer. Continue reading Maroon Gardens (For Destiny the Dreamer) by Alex R. Encomienda

Revolutionary Road: Sometimes the Creepiest Books Are About Domesticity

In honor of Friday the 13th, that most holy of October holidays–perhaps even more so than Halloween–it’s only fitting to explore a “creepy read.” However, as far as The Opiate‘s definition of creepy is concerned, there can be no more terrifying novel than Richard Yates’ Revolutionary Road. Released in 1961, when it also won the National Book Award (pre-when women were dominating the list of … Continue reading Revolutionary Road: Sometimes the Creepiest Books Are About Domesticity

Orange Sunsets by Anna S. Kapungu

Yellow tulips in Autumn Fell in love was blinded Truth was my mirror Shrink from one’s self Unveiled the vulnerability Believed love was love Brimming with radiance Pure like the rays of comfort Love with layers But love never persisted Within the lie I lived Wrecked all my days Silenced the nights Tell nights to the North Arctic winds Believed love would come home Lived … Continue reading Orange Sunsets by Anna S. Kapungu