Words in Motion: your source for short stories and poetry

Imagine journeying through the maze of your past, revisiting the sweet and bitter memories that have shaped you. Our episode today unravels the magic of memory, its transformative power, and the way it connects us all. I start with a poignant poem by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, and recall an emotional visit home following the loss of my beloved grandmother. 

We turn our attention to the powerful letters of Earl Wutherston, a brave soldier who left behind not just his family, but also a legacy of courage and resilience. His letters to his wife, Lou, and their daughter, Helen, are a testament to the strength of the human spirit. We hear his heartbreaking last words and the chaplain's promise to honor them, reminding us to stand strong against fascism. Join us for this exploration of the unifying power of memories and the resilience of humanity.

I hope you come back for more. Each story will bring a unique style and character.

Ever found yourself feeling like your reflection isn't quite you? Our upcoming episode serves up a hearty blend of compelling narratives guaranteed to make you ponder. We take you alongside Mary, a plant enthusiast, as she uncovers the joy of tending to her green friends and singing to them. Then, join Jonathan, an aspiring writer who, during a temp job, experiences a peculiar moment when his reflection in the mirror seems unlike him. These stories explore the allure and mystique of how our perspectives shape our experiences.

As we journey further, prepare to engage in the realities of urban life, power dynamics, and the privileges in a racially unequal world through the lens of Johnny and Freddie. We also delve into the captivating arrival of European intellectuals in the South, sparking intriguing conversations and leading to significant cultural shifts. Lastly, we're joined by professional mountain climber, Chuck Waldbrun, who delivers profound insights and recommendations on navigating life's peaks and valleys. Get ready for an episode that threads together unique narratives, intriguing societal discussions, and fresh perspectives. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to have your thoughts provoked.

I hope you come back for more. Each story will bring a unique style and character.

Have you ever wondered how the world looks through the eyes of a writer? Imagine a blend of emotions, courage, creativity, and resilience, depicted in compelling stories that resonate with you. That's exactly what you'll experience as we engage with Eileen Toomey, a brilliant writer hailing from Red Bank, New Jersey. Eileen takes us on a captivating journey, from her first published story in the Graham Cracker to her award-winning poem in Cleaver Magazine, not forgetting her fascinating fiction manuscripts set in Ireland. You'll be moved as she reads her profound poem, "Immunotherapy," a touching reflection on the side effects of cancer treatment drugs.

Surprisingly, Eileen's journey is not all rosy. There's a compelling story of a mother's determination and love, an emotional voyage that she's brave enough to share. Picture yourself in her shoes, as she navigates the complexities of dysplasia, wrestles with doubts, and seeks a diagnosis for her baby. Imagine the impact of these struggles on her family, and the strength required to rise above it all. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of emotions and insights that makes this episode one you won't forget.

I hope you come back for more. Each story will bring a unique style and character.

Picture this: a young man named Johnny, the poker table as his battlefield, the cards as his weapons. As the stakes rise higher and higher, Johnny finds himself indebted to the menacing Mr. Lee. And it’s not just money on the line; his beloved baseball career hangs in the balance. Will he risk it all or play it safe? Tune in as we navigate the story of Johnny's life, a riveting tale of baseball, betrayal, and redemption.

But that's not all, folks. As a former professional climber turned author, I, too, have found myself balancing on a thin line between right and wrong. Much like Johnny, I have faced my own moral dilemmas that mirrored my past experiences. And just like our young protagonist, I realized that our past is merely a prologue to our future. In this battle of life, we’re all players, and our stories are worth telling. Let's embark on this thrilling journey together, as we discover that it’s not about winning or losing, but how we play the game.

I hope you come back for more. Each story will bring a unique style and character.

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to uncover an impending cosmic threat, experience the bizarre consequences of time travel or contemplate a world devoid of youth and technology? Buckle in and join us as we navigate through these intriguing concepts. Our journey starts with the gripping tale of Hamish, an astronomer who stumbles upon an interstellar cloud cluster speeding towards Earth. As the world grapples with this apocalyptic revelation, we witness the ensuing chaos, military action, and wild conspiracy theories, painting a vivid picture of humanity on the precipice of disaster. 

What if you suddenly found yourself whisked back in time to 1946? We explore this bewildering scenario, amidst the backdrop of post-World War II, air raid sirens and the enigmatic "Manhattan Project". The narrative takes an even stranger turn into a world where everyone is over 65, an intriguing phenomenon we've dubbed 'Silent Aging'. This peaceful, technology-free existence brings with it fascinating insights, but also a pervasive sense of dread. 

To wrap up, we’ll travel a more personal path. I’ll take you through my transformation from professional mountain climber to author, highlighting the philosophies that have guided my journey. We’ll examine the invaluable lesson of never encountering a person you don't like, and the courage it takes to stand up against fascism. Join us for a story-rich episode that not only entertains, but challenges our perspectives, fuels meaningful conversations, and takes us on an exhilarating ride through time, space, and the very essence of what makes us human.

I hope you come back for more. Each story will bring a unique style and character.

 

The wanderer and the spy, two seemingly disparate characters, yet bound by the unyielding struggle of self-discovery and survival. From personal experience as a storyteller and former professional mountain climber, I find that whether you're scaling a mountain or crafting a tale, the journey holds as much worth as the destination. Reflecting on the stories of Stu and Stephen, we realize the universal appeal of their struggles, their victories, and their failures. Tune in for an episode that promises a unique blend of adventure, mystery, and introspection.

I hope you come back for more. Each story will bring a unique style and character.

Picture a grim, dystopian future; humanity on the brink of annihilation, a murderous virus on the loose, and a society on its knees. This is the chilling reality for PEOPLE grappling with existential dread and a fatal diagnosis. We're immersing you in the first two chapters of the novella, Countdown to Doomsday, as we navigate the harrowing journey of these individuals confronting their final days.

But beyond mere survival, we venture into the power of storytelling. We unravel stories as potent metaphors for life's struggles, drawing parallels between a professional mountain climber’s arduous ascent and our own personal battles. Not forgetting the elephant in the room, we tackle the ever-growing menace of fascism. Gripping and evocative, our episode weaves narratives of despair, resilience, and courage in the face of impending doom. We invite you to join us on this journey, as we blur the boundaries between reality and fiction, holding a mirror up to our society today.

I hope you come back for more. Each story will bring a unique style and character.

Prepare to be riveted as we follow the peculiar journey of Alex, a man wrestling with loneliness and insecurities about his height. Imagine suddenly discovering a mysterious file labeled Elinor on your computer, in your own handwriting, yet having no recollection of it. What secrets does it hold? Alex's enigmatic story is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, as we traverse through his struggle against deadlines and his overflowing emotions. 

I hope you come back for more. Each story will bring a unique style and character.

Join me as we walk the harrowing grounds of Auschwitz, guided by the memoirs of my dear friend, Rabbi Bruce Benson. His experience touring the killing camps in Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Poland paints a vivid and chilling picture of the Holocaust. From the infamous shoe collection at Auschwitz, to the collection of hair, too painful to capture in a photograph, we're left pondering the incomprehensible atrocities committed. As we navigate this haunting past, we are reminded of the immense value in acknowledging the whispers of survivors and honoring their memory, even while grappling with the depths of evil that led to the loss of six million souls.

Standing on the soil soaked with history, we discuss the overwhelming emotions that come with being in such a place, and the challenge of articulating those feelings. But amidst the darkness, there is a beacon of light - the resilience of the human spirit, embodied by Rabbi Benson.  With this journey into our past, we aim to bear witness to history, ensuring we never forget and that such horrors are never repeated. Let's embark on this journey of reflection, resilience and remembrance together.

I hope you come back for more. Each story will bring a unique style and character.

Have you ever found yourself catching your breath, heart pounding, as legal testimonies unfold? Venture with us into the raw reality of courtroom drama as we follow the tragic child abuse case of young Amber Salmos. Brace yourself for a gut-wrenching journey through horrific evidence, medical testimonies, and the emotional rollercoaster tied to this young girl's safety.

But, we don't stop at the courtroom. Join us in a candid conversation with my supervisor, where we grapple with the troubling uncertainty of Amber's future and the potential requirements for foster care or adoption. Additionally, we unpack the shocking revelation of Amber's infant brother's condition, adding an even more distressing dimension to the case. Transitioning from such heavy realities, we will also reflect on the power and importance of telling stories, drawing from my personal experiences as a writer and a former professional mountain climber. Whatever the subject, the power of storytelling is a theme that threads through this episode, reminding us of its crucial role in our lives.

I hope you come back for more. Each story will bring a unique style and character.