A Page Missing from the History Books

[ Conversation between Christopher Colombus and his conscience before leaving for India ] "Maps?""No thank you.""Compass?""Nope, don't need it.""Stars and mathematics?""No, no. Old fashioned tenacity and a whole lot of balls.""Seriously? Don't you think that's dangerous? You could die, and take a hundred good men with you.""I have no fear. I know I am right. …

Criminal Institute of America

The pinnacle of human rightsIn the land of the free (A matter of perspective) Speak your mindWire tapped by designbroad stripes and bright starsEvolved with the times The webcam spiesOur flag was still there Mission statement:Surveillance will prevail Drug trafficking and testingNazis on the payroll One step ahead Informed we keep you safeFrom yourselvesIn the …

Emperor Norton

By order of decreeBy the power vested in meIn matters I am well versedI will beNorton the firstEmperor of the United States I hereby proclaimWith the honour of my good nameA secondary titleWith no claim at fameI am the vitalProtector of Mexico I will use my stationAnd the army of our great nationTo exercise suitable …

Senryu: Flatwoods Monster

Strange lights in the skyAn otherworldly phantomOr The Flatwoods Owl September 12th 1952 Strange occurrences, including a monster sighting, take place in Flatwoods, West Virginia.

Showdown

The sun beams over my left shoulder, casting a long shadow on the wide, dusty road. I watch the heat rippling off toward the horizon, if all goes well I'll be heading there too, a true gunslinger. Beads of sweat find their way into my eyes, I squint, but I cannot move a muscle until …