Month: January 2025

Essay

Giorni della Merla: An Italian Legend That Not Only Offers a More Folkloric Take on Groundhog Day, But Also Proves January is a Cunt

No one likes January. And if they do, they’re probably a masochist who engages in Albert Fish-esque activities like sticking a thorny rose up their urethra or they’re a person with money who can stay inside and not have to be subjected to the full weight of the cold. At best, they’re someone who lives in a tropical climate or select parts of California. But, … Continue reading Giorni della Merla: An Italian Legend That Not Only Offers a More Folkloric Take on Groundhog Day, But Also Proves January is a Cunt

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Interview

Anonymous Office Workers of the World Unite!: An Interview

In the following interview, The Opiate’s Anton Bonnici (AB) poses a few questions to Genna Rivieccio (GR) about her latest book (a.k.a. massive tome), Diary of an Anonymous Midtown Office Worker in the 2010s. The context of the book is presented as a diary that’s been found many years in the future by a team of archaeologists who no longer have any idea what this … Continue reading Anonymous Office Workers of the World Unite!: An Interview

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Poetry

The Hippie Across the Street by DS Maolalaí

they’d gotten married in Americawhen he went over to work thereand had lived for ten years in San Franciscoon a hill you could see the bridge offapparently. and he gave her two boysborn within a year, and she dressed themlike chimney sweeps in new handmade clothingand she in return painted a portrait of himstanding with his arm on the mantel. when he brought her back … Continue reading The Hippie Across the Street by DS Maolalaí

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Poetry

I Try Not to Grow Old by Margaret R. Sáraco

There are only a few wrinklesbut hair is graying and thinning,dyed every couple of monthsleaves a Cruella de Vilpatch of grayracing stripeeven my eyebrows are turning whiteplucking them increases anxiety.And that’s just my hair. How much is too much?I have more of this to look forward to.Joint aches, discussing poor healthwith friends.Hey, I already survived cancerbut do not wish to tempt fateI will erase that … Continue reading I Try Not to Grow Old by Margaret R. Sáraco

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Poetry

March 2000 by Kathryn Adisman

Outside on the streets of New York City:the Diallo demonstrations. Inside the hospital room at the Cancer Center:My father has shut his eyes on the world. Next to the untouched breakfast lunch and dinner trays—Unread newspapers pile up, with news of the world my father is leaving behind.He’s packed up his troubles… …and he’s heading out, big hand waving:“Goodbye! Good Luck!” I hear him shout, … Continue reading March 2000 by Kathryn Adisman

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Poetry

Nervous Taxidermist by Charlie Robert

Wood.Wire.Hammer.Pliers.Eyes.EmptySockets.MarblesIn Your Pocket.Better Than Stones.Better Than Your Rocket.Form.Matter.Blood.Splatter.Antlers.Brain.Fluids.Pain.Let ItGo.GoDownThe Drain.DearTaxidermist.Bring Us Back To Life.We WantFull Service.Use The Carving Knife.Trust Your Inner Guide.Your JekyllAnd Your Hide.Dream OfTimes To Come.Dream OfCyanide.Save APlace.On Your Wall.State YourCase.It’s YourCall.It’s YourDay.Mount Them All.Trophy Wife.At the Mall. Continue reading Nervous Taxidermist by Charlie Robert

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Poetry

And Hundreds Just Like Him by Steve Denehan

That he knows meseems, more than anythingto annoy him first, a hesitant hellothat I return before the proclamationI know you! followed by a questiona series of questionsWas it school? No…was it?You’re Johnny’s brother, are you?Do you get the 120 to Dublin?Where do you drink? Wait, don’t tell me… before, finally, statementsI definitely know you.That’s going to annoy me now.You’re not one of the Murrays…It’s not … Continue reading And Hundreds Just Like Him by Steve Denehan

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Book Review, Criticism

Bad Blood: Intermezzo Explores the Complexities of Brotherly Bonds, Broken or Otherwise

Sally Rooney is no stranger to exploring the complexities of the (monogamous) romantic relationship, but with her fourth novel, Intermezzo, the author challenges herself to explore the even more particular emotional intricacies of the sibling dynamic. Namely, among two brothers, Ivan (the youngest at twenty-two) and Peter (the eldest at thirty-two). The Koubek brothers, if you will. Although normally “estranged” (for all intents and purposes), … Continue reading Bad Blood: Intermezzo Explores the Complexities of Brotherly Bonds, Broken or Otherwise

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Poetry

An Affair With Red by Frankie Laufer

Only jazz and paint are welcome in the inner sanctum.Like warm fog, a luscious oozing Red beauty crawls out from her cocoon.Sprawled out on a white canvas like a pinup model.A sacred friend, full of passion and protection.The spoken word is neither admired nor condemned.Once engaged to Green, but now his compliments have worn thin.Yellow screams and must be muzzled, but gently without malice.Blue finds … Continue reading An Affair With Red by Frankie Laufer

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