Stories, poems and art reprinted from the classic Planet Magazine back issues (1994–2004).
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). Illustration: “Jardin des Dieux” by Robert Sorensen "Why do you have that curious look in your eyes, Lauren?" asked Lauren's dad. "Why do plants grow upwards?" Lauren replied. "Because Sky is the plant's father and the plant wants to be with its father." Unsure if he … Continue reading Why Do We Grow Up?, by Sasha Gorelik
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). Illustration: “Ghosts” by Romeo Esparrago A stranger dressed in furs and denim had entered the store, a string of gutted rabbits tossed over his shoulder. A young boy dressed only in furs was in step behind him. "Hello," Marcus Halloran offered. There were only half a … Continue reading The Ghosts of Tedjai, by Tamara Wilhite
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). I never met the man,but not a day passesthat his words do nottouch my soul.A Russian immigrantat the turn of the century,just like my grandfather,stowaways, refugees,immigrants with nothing intheir pockets but dreams.With humility and wisdom,he unveiled the joys andthe sorrows, the terrors andthe wonders that fill … Continue reading For Isaac, by Daniel C. Smith
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). Illustration: “Glossolalia” by Senthil GK John Macmillan was waiting for me when I arrived at the Prince of Wales, a pint of Orkney Dark Island before him already half-finished. I waved at him that I was going to the bar, and he pointed at his glass … Continue reading Glossolalia, by Matthew Aitkenhead
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). Illustration: “The Signal” by Ehrad Radiant planetswhere natives uses black firefor coolish darkness Are you asking mewhere I hide my tentacles?she whispered, smiling. Alien childrenplaying with human bodiesuntil the bell calls. Footprints in concretefrom nowhere to anywherethree toes with sharp claws. Poem © 2004 by Cassie … Continue reading Four SciFaiku, by Cassie
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). Illustration: “Soldier” by Patrick Stacy Stendhal Macross hadn't worked in months. The monotony was driving nails into his skull. Not to mention, his money was dwindling. Not that Stendhal didn't have plenty of money to live on for several more months, but everything runs out eventually. … Continue reading Good Job, by Christian R. Bonawandt
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). Illustration: “Face” by Leo Lin Alone I drifthearing hissingred lights flickerin a constellationI never wanted to see becoming uniform, coldmy steel collar gathering frostno longer a strugglefor rarefied controlmoon passing my windowin a long clumsy arc repeat the checklistfor the last timethoughts fadingto the Florida sun … Continue reading Steel Can, by D. Nordling
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). "Now, let me get this straight, the guy froze to death in his apartment in July?" Vince Minelli asked as they exited the elevator on the fourth floor, his brown eyes wide in amazement. The scar that ran diagonally down his right cheek danced back and … Continue reading The Iceman, by Brian C. Petroziello
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 40 (December 2003). Illustration: “Moonless” by Patrick Stacy Although their suburban home was empty except for themselves, Mark and Paula Mansfield spoke in confidential tones. While Mark was telling Paula how rich they would become, she rose to gaze out through partially open drapes on the French doors. "No … Continue reading One Moonless Night, by Joe Vadalma
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 40 (December 2003). Waves of a turquoise gold bulge flatly, gently upon the surface. The sea is flat, calm, breathing. The expanse is windless. As the sun sets, the sky turns a brilliant saffron-pink that sprinkles the water with particles of sparkling light. The sand sits dull and wet, … Continue reading Until Another Emerges, by Gregory Paul Mineeff
