Expedient
            Getaway by Ann M. Pinto

            

              

                
 
 
                
"But that's the beauty
                  of their economy." Tatum leaned across the formica tabletop,
                  one hand clutching his burger, fingers digging into the over-soft
                  bun.
 
              
            

            
 

            
The
            Lessons Of A Ladle by Bob
            Church

            

              

                
 
 
                
The ladle isn't pure silver,
                  certainly, and may not be silver at all. Like as not, it's some
                  lesser alloy of tin, forged in the 1850's or thereabout, close
                  as anyone can remember, but it's silver in color at least.
 
              
            

            
 

            
Jackson's
            Treasure by Nan Jacobs

            

              

                
 
 
                
My friend Sherilee dangles
                  her legs in the toddler pool; her three year old, Joshie, splashes
                  by her knees. Several mothers lounge near her, conversing, sunbathing.
 
              
            

            
 

            
Jerusalem by Eddie Bruce

            

              

                
 
 
                
Long before the 'care in the
                  community' concept, I delivered bulk tea to mental homes all
                  over the south of England.
 
              
            

            
 

            
Devil
            of the Night by Michael Lee
            Johnson

            

              

                
 
 
                

                  
(Bipolar Disarrangement of Words)


                  
Come write with me I need to take you on
                  a brief night journey that has already started.
                
              
            

            
 

            
Uncle
            Shorty's Self-Rising Ashes
            by Tom Fillion

            

              

                
 
 
                
Some honcho from Uncle Shorty's
                  lodge in St. Petersburg got up next to speak that day at his
                  sendoff. He was right after another guy from the Sons of Norway
                  who was right after another guy from the power squadron, each
                  of them performing a special, mysterious ritual around the casket
                  before they spoke.
 
              
            

            
 

            
Pain
            II by Jon Norland (creative
            non-fiction)

            

              

                
 
 
                
I know something about pain.
                  Actually, I know a lot about pain.
 
              
            

            
 

            
Word Catalyst has a new Short Story editor,
            Bob Church. Send your short stories to: Bob
            Church@wordcatalystmagazine.com. For a critique of your short
            stories, send them to: critique@wordcatalystmagazine.com.