Relationships

<p>&quot;Sometimes a disquieting idea, for at its core, an alternative signals difference: a state some may dustrust, others tolerate, still others, embrace. Fortunately, divergent views remain energetically alive, experience brings hope, exhilerating no matter what the outcome. In this anthology on less traditional and predictable lifepaths, the intensity, humor and spirit of these writing actually transcends differences, evidence of the strength found in exploring less travelled roads.&quot;</p><p>Contributors, cont'd: Mary Damon Peltier, Shirley Powers, Rita Reinert, Ellen Rosen, P. Kelly Rugg, Amy Sanderson, Patti See, Claudia Rosa Silva, Carol Smith, Grazina Smith, Sandra Tatara </p>

"The stories presented here tell tales of a new Chicago, a Chicago that, like the Scott Mutter montage that fronts this book, is made up of diverse images that suggest new ways of seeing. They provide alternative interpretations of life in the city. What you will find in this collection is a a multi-cultural neighborhood in print, a neighborhood which has yet to surface on Chicago streets, one which is perhaps still years away in a city that touts its culturally plural make-up while still enforcing rigid boundaries between segregated neighborhoods. Murder by industrial pollution (often masked by self-abuse), racism, homophobia, the disintegration of family life, the struggle for control of one's own body and mind, the troubles facing a growing elderly population, the subjugation of minority cultures to the rich, the white, the male, are all issues confronted by the writers of these stories. They speak through a range of voices, creating a new, urgent sense of Chicago Realism. These storytellers provide testimony to a new Chicago, a Chicago that while steeped in American tradition challenges the narrow boundaries of its stereotype. They speak to a changing America, an America that has awakened from decades of a false, prosperity-driven revelry with a reality hangover. They speak of an America that must now begin to turn its attention to the social and environmental problems it has too long ignored." - From the back cover

&ldquo;... What I&rsquo;m about to tell you notwithstanding, I am not a stalker. Or a boyfriend-stealer. I ended up in Donovan&rsquo;s closet entirely by accident...&rdquo;

Eight short fiction scenarios within one longer piece that explores the decline of people, things, and relationships through one object, a pair of binoculars.<br />

Short piece about a break up and the author's search for answers about it.<br />

Scenes from Becca&rsquo;s life; this issue deals with gender issues related mostly to appearance but also sexuality.

From the introduction: This collection explores a pivotal moment in my life: choose a future of loss and surrender, or one of happiness and wholeness. After eight years of the former, it was time to choose the latter. ... These poems explore the fractured self as an impetus for expressing anger and sorrow, love and healing.<br />

Short chapbook of poems, many later contained in the book Rooftop Piper.<br />

Collection of Poems about Relationships, Loneliness, and Nature

Collection of short pieces from Alan's life, dealing moslty with establishing new relationships and getting over old ones around the holidays. Also contains zine reviews.<br />