Writing is an act of resistance
-
s k i n
By Rebecca Havens She is dancing by the entrance. Graceful, slow-then-fast; even Helen can neither compete nor look away. Drinking in the shadows, I imagine all the shapes violence comes in, collectively stomping her meat into the pavement. I am one with the darkness—but I swear, I can see each layer of skin even through
-
Awaiting Harris’ Concession Speech November 6, 2024
By Dotty LeMieux A woman adjusts the flags lining the stagejust so, as if perfectly draped flagscan protect us from the ignominyof the next four years. On stage, the flags wiltdespite folding, tucking,crimping. A young man in the crowd raiseshis iPhone high above his head,its flashlight beaming out.With his other hand he holdsa plastic water
-
Standard Safety Recommendations: Revised, 2025
By Ryan McCarty Honesty may no longer be the bestpolicy, depending on who’s asking.And sometimes accepting a ridefrom strangers is the safest way home.Do not secure your own maskbefore helping children or others. Listen to your body, though.Carrying heavy weight at arm’s lengthcan stagger you. Bent knees alonewill not be enough to do all the lifting.Hold
-
Stars and Stripes: Registering Voters in the Travis County Jail
By Lauren Oertel We see stars in their eyes—the legal technicalityallows them to imagine voting for the first time. Then the stars fadelike the overwashedthick stripes on their shirts. Heavy doors buzz, razor wire-topped pathwayssnake between buildings. Guards mutter Make America Great Againwhen they see our clipboards and registration forms. It’s the shower shoes—thin, terracotta-colored,plastic
-
Inauguration Day
By Linda Parsons I’m bleeding I’m bleeding on the sheet and pillow notmy monthlies so many moons gone. On the sheet a red thread unraveledin sleep stain hardened to rub and soap. I bleedlike a girl the coldest winter I’ve known splits skin streaksmy pillow sheet pulled to my chin. I’m bleedingfor my daughters and granddaughters soft bodies sold in the marketplace the coldest coin I’ve
-
The Bishop
By Lao Rubert –for the Right Reverends Mariann Budde, Anne Hodges-Copple and Scott Benhase Before dawn she packs her briefcaseswivels its four gliding, revolving wheelsand marches through the doorin puffy down, long underwearbeneath her slacks. Garment bagslung over her shoulder. Snow bootsgrip black ice as she clicksthe car door open, slides in.She arrives early, in
-
Marked
By Fendy Satria Tulodo I was twelve when I figured out the world had already decided what to call me. Not the name Ma whispered soft as a prayer when I was born. Not the one my teachers read off the roll sheet. Not even the one my little brother mumbled when he had bad
-
Saved
By Phyllis Wax This timewill it be an arkor a spaceshipwhen God decidesto cleanse the earth? When rising oceanssubmerge the coasts and fire, flood and windravage the rest, when wars and wickednessare rampant, when compassioncollides with greed who will gather their loved onesto climb aboard— the righteous or the rich? Phyllis Wax writes on a bluff overlooking
-
you’re all for autism acceptance ’til
By Lauren Withrow Lauren Withrow is an autistic disability advocate, mother of two autistic children, diverse writer, TikTok creator (@thegirlbehindthe_mask_), and Lead Registered Behavior Technician. Her poetic writing explores themes of autism, identity, love, and justice drawn from personal and professional experience. A note from Writers ResistThank you for reading! If you appreciate creative resistance and