Stories, poems and art reprinted from the classic Planet Magazine back issues (1994–2004).
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Ole Man Goober emerges from Handyman's Hardware into the New Mexico heat with a length of copper tubing in one calloused hand, and a paper bag full of adjustable water-heater clamps in the other. He stops in the middle of a pothole-littered parking lot next to … Continue reading The Dirt Patch Watering Hole, by Keith Crews
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration: “"Princess"” by Romeo Esparrago I had the windows of my Jeep rolled down, so I heard the shouts around the same time that I saw the crowd. I was driving west on Queen Street, near the the old Hudson's Bay Store. A crowd of teenagers … Continue reading Sometimes, I Dream of Roses, by George Condon
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration: “"Proto Petit"” by Robert Sorensen Five minutes later, and ten seconds older, Dr. Insanium stepped out of his time machine and shook hands with himself. "Hello," he said, smiling. "Hello," said Dr. Insanium. "Well, I'd better get back to five minutes ago. It was a … Continue reading Dr. Insanium’s New Friend, by Glen Thompson
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Time slows to a screeching halt when there's a gun pressed against your head. Andrew suddenly remembered something that someone once told him right after the first "incident." It was his uncle. Uncle Lou. He had said, "Boy, you always have to ante up, and the … Continue reading Trump, by Danny McCaslin
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Lost in the woods, Roger and Walter were two vagabonds searching for shelter from the relentless cold wind that was tormenting them. As they reached a clearing, they were surprised to find a decrepit castle before them, almost indiscernible under the faint moonlight. With a couple … Continue reading Eternal Grief, by Marcelo Hipolito & Marcelo Machado
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration: “"Spacecab"” by Andy McCann Tonight I'm celebrating and finally typing these notes to go with my technical design data and the working drawings! Right at the beginning I recall considering this proposition. Take that bottle of Scotch I have on the table. Suppose I leave … Continue reading Yesterday the World, by Tony Thorne
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration: “"Game"” by Romeo Esparrago The canvas tent flapped softly in the warm evening breeze. It was a breeze laden with the smell of decay. Jahrel wrinkled her nose at the stench, but said nothing. In this part of the city there were worse things than … Continue reading The Game of the Phoenix, by Arthur Sánchez
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration: “"In Darkness Light"” by Greg Martin The boyexamines the cube of granitewhich is his world.The boy, the cubeand the great black void around him.He sits on its surfaceand swings his hammer.He starts at the corners,making them less sharp,making them pleasantly rounded.He chisels the edges smooth.The … Continue reading Boy and His Hammer, by Dave Nordling
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago "The thymus gland's function is to activate the body's T-lymphocytes prior to puberty. These cells effect arousal of the dormant human immune system. They produce a hormonal substance which stimulates our immune response to overwhelm any threatening agency. They may serve additional … Continue reading Green T, by E.S. Strout
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration: “"The Prayer"” by Ehrad 1.1 sailinglightsails blooming brightcatching the sun leaving homeahead be dragons1.2 visitorsfar side of the moona footprint splayed in the dustsix toes and no shoe1.3 meetingtime shattered not bentmeeting yourself on the wayMerging to nothing1.4 bewareyears of starflightingthe end of the universe … Continue reading Four Poems, by Fraser Butterworth
