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Leeches

Now, six years after the fact, I realize things might have gone differently, but back then, on Sunday, March 8, 1998, when it all began, it was impossible to… More

The Princes’ Islands

’Stamboul, with all its sea-suburbs and sea-lanesSelçuk was a bum. I first met him at the Galata Bridge, in a tea house on the lower level of the bridge.… More

The Mere Future

1. Coma Toast(In the future, when things are slightly better because there has been a big change.)Back in the present, my lover Nadine and I have moved to a… More

Please Look After Mom

It’s been one week since Mom went missing.The family is gathered at your eldest brother Hyong-chol’s house, bouncing ideas off each other. You decide to make flyers and hand… More

Broke on Ice

Broke Bop Boogie These shoes were made for walkin’ Not talkin’ I put so much mileage on these here dogs Their tongues no longer pant in anticipation Of unknown journeys, but lie in exasperation As… More

Twice Born

A journey of hope, leftover words among the many that remain at day’s end. I saw them on a jar beside the drugstore cash register. There was a slot… More

Songwriter Released

Singer-songwriter Lapiro de Mbanga (real name: Pierre Roger Lambo Sandjo) was freed on April 8, 2011, having completed a three-year prison sentence for allegedly instigating anti-government riots. More