Fiction Rising Phoenix Winner – Spring 2021

“The Cost of Living” Whisper McDonald I have full understanding of the sacrifice I am about to make and the gift it will bring the village. They won’t allow me to cry, which is very troubling since I very much would like to rain tears upon their pity filled glances. The Master tells me that …

Nonfiction Rising Phoenix Winner – Spring 2021

“My Window Friend” Danielle Lemke In my house, there is a small room with perpetually cold tile floors. It is the enemy of bare feet whose only goal is to stand by the narrow windows on either side of the solely decorative doorway. The air vents spewing the cold air out on the hard floor …

Poetry Rising Phoenix Winner – Spring 2021

“I am a long swill of Midwestern summer” Cassidy MacArthur I am a long swill of Midwestern summer and, I am dark deer collision in frigid morning, I am the dust kicked up by the car as we left the farm behind us. I am blue in the face during birth, not quite ready to …