Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 29 (March 2001). Illustration: “String” by Shelton Bryant John Milder had wasted his life. He knew it, deep down in his heart, and had known it for a long time. The sickness finally had eaten away what was left of it, leaving nothing but an empty husk. He was … Continue reading Milder, by Mike Velichansky
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 29 (March 2001). Artwork by Romeo Esparrago There is nothing quite like the sound of driving in the rain. I find it so comforting when I'm on a long stretch of highway late at night. I never used to. I used to hate driving in the rain, especially at … Continue reading DUI, by Philip B. Young
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 27–28 (September/December 2000). (or, loosely translated, "Laugh Light") Illustration by Sam Crowe Form Gaseous,Flows through beingAwe caughtIn woven spell eyes.Heart-soul beats,Rhythms Staccato.Blood-boil Burns,From kisses whispered.Stopping this time,Moments paused.I be we, as one.Circles completed,We laugh light.-- OrneoThe above is a translation by Bruce Threatt of the famed Venusian poet Orneos' … Continue reading Ode to a Venusian Lover, by Bruce Threatt
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 27–28 (September/December 2000). Illustration by Andrew G. McCann Our moon of green cheeselooked tasty to alienswho gobbled it up Poem copyright ©2000 by Ray Dangel Illustration copyright ©2000 by Andrew G. McCann ← Back to Planet Magazine No. 27–28 (contents)
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 27–28 (September/December 2000). is the value of science fictionor the vortex of discarded theorychurning in the great porcelainbowl of things measured, practicalexperience. perhaps. the dangerof this illusion of enlightenmentis endured, like sword swallowing.is the value an escape to reason,formed in the hollow of the worldfor the purpose of questioningthe … Continue reading Is the Value of Science Fiction, by Andy Miller
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 27–28 (September/December 2000). Illustration by Sam Crowe Make my left thigh bone a flute--punch holes for fingers and lips.Make my skull a drum--beat on the bone with sticks.Of my jointed fingerbonesstring windchimesso breezes may click themoutside your bedroom window.To humor the wave length unwinding me,make the sound no bell … Continue reading Bonesounds, by Barbara Spring
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 27–28 (September/December 2000). Illustration by Patrick Stacy Jasyn Rile smiled as the land cruiser crept to a stop above the transfer station in Chicago. It was his first trip to the Windy City and his expectations grew higher and higher with each passing kilometer. The trip from San Francisco … Continue reading A Shift of Power, by S.E. Eggleston
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 27–28 (September/December 2000). Illustration by Patrick Stacy Ugh said a soft goodbye as he closed the door after the goodnight kiss. His conscience grated on his nerves. Something had to be done. This beautiful woman somehow found his miserable self attractive. It wasn't natural. He had to keep himself … Continue reading The Neanderthal Swan Song, by Richard W. Novy
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 27–28 (September/December 2000). Illustration by Sam Crowe "When I try to explain this to other people, they usually snicker." Dan shifted nervously on the couch and thought 'Uh-oh', wondering what could possibly follow such a statement. The man speaking, Dr. Ken something, had a rich, deep voice, and Dan … Continue reading Mundane Ripples, by Derek Robinson
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 27–28 (September/December 2000). (Or, How I Finally Lost My Virginity After Seven Hundred Years of Silence) Illustration by Romeo Esparrago My name is Jacob. It's a good name, an old name. When it was created, I imagine there were many Jacobs. People had surnames then, because there weren't enough … Continue reading Memoirs of the Modern Prometheus, by Michael Liska
