Traveler, by Kristen Comer

Neon-toned digital painting of a dark-faced woman with long pink-streaked hair and pink lips, with glowing lights and a faint second face in the dark background

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 23 (September 1999). Illustration: “Ainalani” by Romeo Esparrago Her shallow eyes ached to view a worldWhere the crimson dew of binary sunsBled thinly over the horizon,Untainted by human breath,Unscathed by human thoughts and words.And winds which bore the scents of life,Alien and beautifulWere in her nostrils even beforeThe journey … Continue reading Traveler, by Kristen Comer →

Silicon Warrior, by Hathno Paige

Digital painting of a chrome robot with a grinning skull-like face, glowing violet eyes and huge rounded shoulders

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 23 (September 1999). Illustration: “Silicon Warrior” by Duncan Long Silicon WarriorDecked out in chromeGlints in the sunlightBefore charging the throne New model you wereCrafted with pridePharaoh's engineersSmiles beaming wide Designed for a purposePacify rogue slavesCrush them mercilesslyDig them out of their caves Rockets often firedGuns constantly blazedHumans laid out … Continue reading Silicon Warrior, by Hathno Paige →

De La Lune, by Diggs Sexton

Cartoon of a blue-skinned alien with antennae, round goggle eyes and an earring, wearing a green coat and pendant, against a grey patterned background

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 23 (September 1999). Illustration: “De La Luna” by Andrew G. McCann Gaping eyes consider dreaming.Blatant moon requires seeing. Picture of the shadow, a blind man's holiday.Soft light over dreamscape, silent, the pixies play. Oh, shower of glittery dust, doubt is left as to what eyes trust. Things that meld into the night, blur themselves from one's sight. … Continue reading De La Lune, by Diggs Sexton →

Corythosaurus Ranch, by Andrew G. McCann

Painting of a brown-and-white spotted crested dinosaur (Corythosaurus) lying behind a fence like livestock, with farm silos behind

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 23 (September 1999). Inspired by the artwork “Dino Farm” by Thomas Miller How now, brown dino?Plucked from the late CretaceousWho knew? Delicious! Haiku copyright © 1999 by Andrew G. McCann Inspired by the artwork "Dino Farm" copyright © 1999 by Thomas Miller ← Back to Planet Magazine No. 23 … Continue reading Corythosaurus Ranch, by Andrew G. McCann →

Three Haiku, by Joyce Stenberg

$Digital fractal image of a deep blue tunnel of zigzag ridges with a diagonal trail of glowing white-violet points$

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 23 (September 1999). Illustration: “3 Haikus” by Duncan Long Cyberspaced. Seekingsomething from somewhere beyondthe confines of space and time. Connectionto, yes, more than know and now;but One Eternal Yes. One who searchesfor searchers' and star seekers'cracked and waiting hearts Haikus copyright © 1999 by Joyce Stenberg Artwork "3 Haikus" … Continue reading Three Haiku, by Joyce Stenberg →

The Visitor, by Gary Campbell

Rendered space scene of a tall lattice-like alien probe pierced by colored beams, ringed by a glowing blue torus with silver spheres, with Earth in the corner

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 22 (June 1999). Illustration: “Space Ship” by Nicola Stratford From the darkness of another time,Relentless and all consuming,A stellar journey with no end,In search of civilizations yet to be. It travels far and wide through time,Not caring where it goes or why,Directed by ancient commands,Its creators long since dead. … Continue reading The Visitor, by Gary Campbell →

Trokar ‘Poem’, by Trokar

Colored drawing of a blue-skinned warrior in yellow armor sitting on purple rocks, with a huge red tentacled creature curled behind him

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 22 (June 1999). Illustration: “Trokar sez – decap that yap!” by Lee Ward Me, Trokar, no understand this poetry.Weak!!!Prefer smashing, crushing, eating things!!!!Grrrrrrr [Note: "This apparent poem was found among the imploded ruins of Lunar University in the fall of 2151 by Space Marines Inquisitor Tom Wagner, who was … Continue reading Trokar ‘Poem’, by Trokar →

Tormented Love, by Ron Carnell

Grainy, sepia-speckled image of a large curved globe that seems to have a woman's eye and brow on its surface

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 22 (June 1999). Illustration by Andrew G. McCann They came to Earth from distant stars,Bright angels of the hidden skies,Our brothers, sisters, from afar,Their silken tongues wrapped round their lies. Enchanted was their lilting voice,Perfection surpassed was their form,Seducing all of human choice,Their peace the calm before the storm. … Continue reading Tormented Love, by Ron Carnell →

Steel Stallions, by Tony Chandler

Rendered silver, angular starship streaking past a bright star against black space, with a colorful border

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 22 (June 1999). Illustration: “Ride the Wild Pony” by Romeo Esparrago Steel Stallions cross the sky,Black Death, fear on high.Locked talons, wings of strength,falling Circle Fury,echo of our screaming cry. Red-lined, and over the edge... Broadsides, guns to bear.Into Death we will stare.Stars will shudder, souls will shake.Flames light … Continue reading Steel Stallions, by Tony Chandler →

Space Monkey King, by Hathno Paige

Garish, heavily filtered digital image of a monkey's snarling face inside an astronaut's space helmet, with flames behind and the word "ZOO"

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 22 (June 1999). Illustration: “Monkey Rex” by Billy Tackett From a jungle planetIn a system far away Came a monkey kingto fight for the simian way Riding in a saucerBananas piled high He lands in Bronx Zoo centralTo the surprise of many an eye Back-pack rockets fireAnd he's headed … Continue reading Space Monkey King, by Hathno Paige →