Stories, poems and art reprinted from the classic Planet Magazine back issues (1994–2004).
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 17 (March 1998). Illustration: “Alien Hell” by Romeo Esparrago LET IT SLEEP SSSSHHHHH, don't wake IT! Constellations would shatter--complex ripples of the seaslose form,shadows their hiding places,warmth drain from the sky,all things would go out of focus,into final chaos,then fall of chaos. All the wrinkled leaves,the rainbows that dancein … Continue reading Three Poems, by Charles Albano
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 17 (March 1998). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago "What'll it be, bud?" the bartender asks me. "How 'bout a Bud ... Light," I say. I pick up the channel changer from the bar and tune the overhead TV from ladies mud wrestling to a local news report. As I do … Continue reading Dittohead, by Jonathan Lowe
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 17 (March 1998). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago Flat on my backI grasp the grass,hold on tight to Rocket Earth,as it twirls on axis,wobbles and spins,in elliptical orbit,falling into the Sun,tumbling through galaxiesoutward bound,riding the curveon the Einstein Express.Space is so vast(and we so small)we don't even noticethe spin or … Continue reading Rocketeering, by Jean King
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 17 (March 1998). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago Marilyn surveyed the conference room, searching for trouble; she found it in the first row. There, in front of the screen, John and Pam sat next to each other. John gestured with his hands, occasionally hopping out of his chair, Pam's forehead … Continue reading Roach No More, by Irette Patterson
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 17 (March 1998). Illustration: “The Ghost of Future Passed” by Andrew G. McCann So this is Day One,When the Earth coalesces.How hot. How boring. * Poem and illustration copyright ©1998 by Andrew G. McCann Note: To find out more about "SciFaiku" poetry, visit "The SciFaiku Manifesto" at: <http://www.crew.umich.edu/~brinck/poetry/manifesto.html>. ← … Continue reading If This Is Tuesday…, by Andrew G. McCann
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 17 (March 1998). Specimen K.3/8: Nothing pauses but [-- Unclear; scholars on probation had spilled coffee mixed with opaque creaming and sweetening agents all over this page of the typescript]. Conferring with travelers and thinkers, I am awed by my ignorance yet not dismayed. [. . .] Moons dance … Continue reading The Nature of the Correspondence, by A.Y. Tanaka
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 17 (March 1998). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago The Neen carry about in their pockets little moons,birthsigns and if you gaze into the orbsyou see a blue sunriseand feel odd, a little dizzy and in your head it starts,the visions come all at once, trembling arms,you feel hungry, your mouth … Continue reading Alien Indulgence, by Ernest Slyman
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 17 (March 1998). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago I've been to the moon. No one's been to the moon, you say. And I won't contradict what you believe, because you're right. I just want you to know that I have been there, and even if I'm the only one who … Continue reading I’ll Miss Those Martian Sunsets, by Craig Urquhart
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 17 (March 1998). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago Companions for saleShining metallic robotsAlone as before * Poem copyright ©1998 by Eldon Tyrell URL: <http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Lab/3848/index.htm> Illustration copyright ©1994-1998 by Romeo Esparrago ← Back to Planet Magazine No. 17 (contents)
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 17 (March 1998). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago I turn over for perhaps the tenth time in as many minutes. The ground is uneven and there is always a root, a pebble, a hollow, an unevenness to welcome every new attempt at comfort. I cannot fall asleep, or maybe I … Continue reading The Climb, by Rowan Wolf
