What’s your favorite color? My environmental receptors Perceive energy at all wavelengths Some of which humans have Divided Into seven adorable categories radio microwave infrared optical ultraviolet x-ray and gamma ray. What humans call Color Occurs in the so-called optical range A grossly unscientific name Since many animals perceive far beyond it. Energy is a … Read moreThe (AI) Critic
“Stop it,” Tim said. “C’mon, give it a try. It’s fun,” Winnie replied. “You’re wasting electricity.” “It’s not a waste if it’s for the health and safety of the crew. I’m the crew, and this keeps me from going crazy,” Winnie smiled. “I don’t think there’s an activity that’s going to bring you back from … Read moreFeeling Gravity’s Pull
The white lines of a country highway whizzed under the car as the headlights wobbled about like a set of googly-eyes, but George couldn’t afford to slow down. He knocked the lights loose as he made his escape and caromed off of dumpsters, parked cars, and a building. In the swirling light, he suddenly saw … Read moreA Giant Mess
All the waters were overflowing, Because of all the rain, Rivers swelled and jumped their banks, The dam—broken from the strain. The townsfolk gathered bundles, As the waters rose and rose, People headed for the higher ground, To escape the deadly flows. But as they hauled possessions, Up the ever-steeper land, If the rain kept … Read moreThe Savior’s Secret Sauce
Space Corps never forgave him for suffering a mutiny.
Trent was fumbling with his keys as he tried to unlock the door to his apartment. The paint around the keyhole was scratched away from years of similar struggles. “Focus,” he said to himself. He closed his eyes and took a long, slow breath but became dizzy and fell against the wall in the narrow … Read moreBones and Bears
Pat was fingering his iPhone as he walked back to work from lunch, involved in a Twitter feud about the films of Wes Anderson. His face was squinted into a fuming pinch. He didn’t notice Charlie on the way in through the glass roundabout. Pat impatiently bumped against the glass, trying to hurry through. “Hey … Read moreRelaxation Sphere
Denson couldn’t put on weight. He was tall and wiry but his pie plate-sized belt buckle weighed nearly as much as he did. “My brother told me I got worms Doc,” he complained. “Maybe from the elk jerky I made last fall. It sorta tasted funny.” “How long have you been skinny?” the doctor asked. … Read moreThe Alternate Path
The rocket shuddered as it inched off the launchpad. A spray of liquid fire melted the concrete, splattering molten rock in all directions. “You overloaded it with all your crap,” Dale complained from his seat pointed at the sky. “My crap? You’re the one who had to bring your motorcycle. You’re going all the way … Read moreGolfing on the Moon
The obstetrician told Gladys that her baby was too large. “Based on the scans, it’s twice the normal size. This could lead to some complications,” the doctor warned. “Like what?” a nervous Gladys asked. “The baby could be diabetic, morbidly obese, or grow so rapidly that he’ll be as tall as a man by the … Read moreStuck on You