https://tinyurl.com/8hwmwtse Written by Don McLean/Performed by Frank Diamond
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Rejuvenation
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Here's a short story of mine call "Rejuvenation" that was published July 2023 in the little literary magazine Fleas on the Dog. Here's the link to the story: https://tinyurl.com/yc7sbe35 It's also pasted in below in black. The content in blue before the start of the story are remarks by the editor, as well … Continue reading Rejuvenation
Prank by Frank Diamond
Here’s a short story of mine called “Prank" that was published earlier this month in a little literary magazine called 7th Circle Pyrite.
Post-Op
AUTHOR'S NOTE: A short-short story of mine called “Post-Op” was published in June in the little literary magazine Sequoia Speaks. The magazine is one of the few left that only publishes in print, not online. If you want to buy the issue, go here. My short-short story is on page 21. Meanwhile, you can read “Post-Op” … Continue reading Post-Op
Here's a short story of mine called "Silent Muse" that was published today (August 1, 2023) in a little literary magazine called WordSwell Journal.
Silent Muse
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The Fixer
Here is a short story of mine called “The Fixer” that was published today (May 26, 2023) in the Rockvale Review. https://rockvalereview.com/issues/issue-ten-may-2023/the-fixer-by-frank-diamond/?fbclid=IwAR1sb3e-LLgn9JMdFDpS1-kkdbu5n2bryYnWocON1Jdq2HB12XD5iZjvzwo
Sal the Barber
Here’s a short story of mine called “Sal the Barber,” that was published today (March 26, 2023) in The Fictional Cafe. https://www.fictionalcafe.com/sal-the-barber-by-frank-diamond/ Featured image courtesy mcmahanphoto.com, photographed by Charles Conlon in 1910.
Stretch
Here's a short story of mine called "Stretch" that was published today (November 9, 2022) in a little literary magazine called Rockvale Review.
Bus Ride
My short story, "Bus Ride," was recently published (November 8, 2022) in Rundelania Literary Magazine, a publication of the Rochester, N.Y., public library. Here's the story.
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Accumulator by Frank Diamond
Here's a short story of mine called "Accumulator" that was published today (April 16, 2022) in the publication Wordrunner eChapbook.https://echapbook.com/anthology/2022/accumulator.html?fbclid=IwAR3zQYjcNM9OTDOREAHXrEuLDGRseY9X-NdgeUOQU9XsnEoFOUcwQLVK3eU
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Lie Detector
a short story by Frank Diamond AUTHOR'S NOTE: My short story, "Lie Detector," was published today (July 30, 2022) in a little literary magazine called redrosethorns. To buy the magazine, almost 100 pages of (I think) cutting edge short stories, poems, and art, go to this link: https://www.redrosethorns.com/redrosethornsmagazineissue01. And below is a version of "Lie … Continue reading Lie Detector
Endearments
By Frank Diamond So what am ITo say about your smile?Or the way your fingersTrace my troubled spine?Is it worth mentioningHow we laugh at nothing?These aren’t strategiesThat captivate our ageAnd orgasm’s fine by meA nearly spiritual rite, right?But it’s how you lip syncOldies that I rememberOr twirling your hairWhile coaxing shy words outRain murmurs on … Continue reading Endearments
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The Ache
by Frank Diamond AUTHOR'S NOTE: "The Ache" is one of two poems of mine published two days ago (May 22, 2024) in a little literary magazine called Lucky Lizard Journal. Here's the Url: https://tinyurl.com/hb8tx27b And it's pasted in below as well. As I drag our trash To the edge of our drive Orange streaks our … Continue reading The Ache
Morning Run
Here’s a piece of mine that was published today called “Morning Run.” I wrote it as a short-short story but the publication is called Whimsical Poet so I guess it’s a poem. The link is to the digital edition and “Morning Run” starts on page 13. It’s a bit of a departure for me in … Continue reading Morning Run
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Accumulator
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Here's a short story of mine called "Accumulator" that was published on April 16, 2022 in the publication Wordrunner eChapbook. https://echapbook.com/anthology/2022/accumulator.html?fbclid=IwAR3zQYjcNM9OTDOREAHXrEuLDGRseY9X-NdgeUOQU9XsnEoFOUcwQLVK3eU And it's pasted below in WordPress, as well. Rodney McDaniels pushes open the kitchen door enough to be able to crane his head out and scan the bar. He spots the guy … Continue reading Accumulator
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Anxiety Dreams
A poem by Frank Diamond A poem of mine called "Anxiety Dreams" was published today (November 2, 2021) in a little literary magazine call "shuf Poetry." Here's the link. It is interactive: you have to press on the blue words (sometimes it's just 1 blue letter) to read it through. You know you've reached the … Continue reading Anxiety Dreams
Quoth the Raven
AUTHOR'S NOTE: A short story of mine, called “Quoth the Raven” was published today (October 27, 2022) in Parhelion Literary Magazine in its special Halloween issue. Here’s a link to the issue: https://parhelionliterary.com And here’s a link to my short story: https://parhelionliterary.com/frank-diamond/ And here it is below in WordPress. Quoth the Raven a short-short story … Continue reading Quoth the Raven
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Farley
a short-short story by Frank Diamond AUTHOR’S NOTE: This short-short story originally appeared in my short story collection Damage Control, which was published in 2005. Reynold’s Bubble Gum factory. It wouldn’t be so bad if me and Farley worked on an assembly line that turned out cars or air conditioners or refrigerators. You wouldn’t believe … Continue reading Farley
The Recent Future
by Frank Diamond Here’s a short story of mine called “The Recent Future” that was published in a little literary magazine called Liminoid in the spring of 2016. http://www.liminoidmagazine.com/the-recent-future And here’s my interview with the editors. http://www.liminoidmagazine.com/blog/2016/8/2/gillette-as-in-the-razor-blades-an-interview-with-frank-diamond
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Unremembered Acts
a short story by Frank Diamond A short story of mine called "Unremembered Acts" was published today (May 4, 2022) in a little literary magazine called Nzuri Journal of Coastline College. Here it is below in WordPress. “You have a name,” Lenore Lyons says. “Gabe Sullivan.” “You are here.” “I am.” Silver Waters of Yardley, … Continue reading Unremembered Acts
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Marty
a short story by Frank Diamond As the taxi pulls away from the bus depot we almost hit a jogger. I mean, this close. I can smell the burning rubber while the car’s still rocking. And you know what? This guy stops, jabs his fist at us a few times and then runs on. “Fake,” … Continue reading Marty
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The Anointed
A short story by Frank Diamond We were downing brews in Iffy’s when Julie mentioned that she would love me to kill her ex-husband. Of course, she didn’t say it just that way. “Take care of Donald for me, will you Cheryl?” she whispered. In the darkness, the bruises under her eyes could have been … Continue reading The Anointed
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The Shop Steward
From Damage Control, a collection of short stories by Frank Diamond. Go ahead, I’ll talk while you’re eating lunch. We only get a half hour. This is your membership card. I’m supposed to tell you that dues will be deducted from your paycheck at the end of each month. We have a closed shop here. … Continue reading The Shop Steward
Hemingway the Second
A short story by Frank Diamond published in his short story collection “Damage Control.” My daughter wants a hamster. We’ve already got a dog, Spike, and he’s a handful. I’m not dead-set against a hamster, and neither is my wife. But we’re not jumping in, either. My daughter’s the nicest little 12-year-old you’d ever want … Continue reading Hemingway the Second
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Progress (a poem)
a poem by Frank Diamond http://www.thecharlescarter.com/writing/2017/02/22/progress/ published in The Charles Carter Literary Magazine in February 2017 (in audio format--click on green Progress link above)
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Remember
a short-short story by Frank Diamond (appeared in a little literary magazine called 50 Give or Take https://us5.campaign-archive.com/?u=09e9431de1a89ec0d0e21d16e&id=e3a1175fa2&fbclid=IwAR1ZEZUX7DlQEL2EmzcqabNkEqz9ThfaapeWVf28mNRQ5C95USBkei2dcew
From Dreamers Literary Magazine: “Scented Beans Destroy Themselves”
a short story by Frank Diamond https://www.dreamerswriting.com/frank-diamond/
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The Abbey
by Frank Diamond Authors Note: A short story of mine called, "The Abbey," was published today (July 3, 2022) in a little literary magazine called Superpresent. Here's the link to the pdf of the issue. https://indd.adobe.com/view/b37aa0fb-8193-4b12-b99e-6f5b5d3649bf "The Abbey" starts on page 43. And down below is the story here on WordPress. Me: “Why, you’re cruisin’ … Continue reading The Abbey
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Raise Your Glasses
written and performed by Frank Diamond https://tinyurl.com/3k42y4mm
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Wavelength
Dad and big brother, Jason, got along well — great, in fact — except for those stupid occasional arguments that any two family members can have; the kind often forgotten before they’re forgiven.
So Very Much To Be Thankful For
By Frank Diamond [ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN NOVEMBER, 2005 IN THE PHILADELPHIA EVENING BULLETIN.] As apropos for the night before Thanksgiving, something not too filling: A tale related third-hand. I don’t often pay full attention to the homilies on Sunday — a reflection more on my poor concentration than on the quality of the speeches. However, … Continue reading So Very Much To Be Thankful For
Ave Maria on the Moon
a short story by Frank Diamond appearing in The Fictional Cafe. https://www.fictionalcafe.com/ave-maria-on-the-moon-by-frank-diamond/ and here it is pasted in below. Desperation birthed the plan, if you want to call it a birth, and if you want to call it a plan. NASA threw us at the Moon; a Hail Mary pass for world peace, of all clichés. … Continue reading Ave Maria on the Moon
Pennypack Park
https://soundcloud.com/user-132915329/pennypack-park
Lyrics by Frank Diamond
Music by Camille Peruto
Performed by Camille Peruto
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Therapy Dog
AUTHOR’S NOTE: This short story, “Therapy Dog,” was published July 11, 2021, in a little literary magazine called Sincerely Magazine. The magazine can be purchased here https://www.sincerelymagazine.com/volumenineserendipity. Below is the story in WordPress. About 10 years ago, when my daughter Allison attended the University of Pittsburgh, she’d periodically call home with updates. Her college experience—you’d … Continue reading Therapy Dog
Assurance
“You stay your age forever.”
Sign now, sit back, watch
These premiums will not change
As indemnification unfolds
October leaves drift like embers
Each snapshot freezes, then evolves
Moral hazard roils and regals
As outliers in mid-orbit pause
Dodging regression to the mean
“Love stays its age forever?”
No, it’s different looking back
That’s no stranger in the corner
Slowly waking from her nap
To Live Again/The Place Where the Chiefs Meet
https://soundcloud.com/user-132915329/toliveagaintheplacewherethechiefsmeet
This is an audio experience on the Soundcloud platform. It contains the song “To Live Again” written and performed by Camille Peruto to accompany the short story, “The Place Where the Chiefs Meet,” written by Frank Diamond (me) and narrated by Maggie Peruto.
Conduit
CHAPTER ONE My very first hit I’m like 13 years old. I never even smoked a cigarette before, but I want to be Kat Borkowski, and she’s the one hands me that joint. This is at Newt’s on Blair Street back in the day, before it got cleaned up and put on airs with some … Continue reading Conduit
Beggar
AUTHOR’S NOTE: This short story was published in the summer 2019 issue of the little literary magazine Pattern Recognition No. 4. “Some old bag probably just lost her old bag,” Mike Feller decides with a shrug. He had just turned onto Godfrey Avenue when his beams swiped an object. At first Mike thinks it’s a … Continue reading Beggar
The Winnings
I dream that my late wife, Megan, and my very-much-alive girlfriend, Sophia, sit in a café downtown, sharing wine and some delicate finger thingys — rare cheeses, quiche, caviar. They are working class girls who climbed up and out, and neither would munch like this in real life. Give ’em Buffalo wings! The spicier the … Continue reading The Winnings
The Chase
I reach into my back pocket, unfold both copies of the formula and hand them to him. “Here’s the Fountain of Youth,” I say. “Golden,” Jake says, squinting at the figures. “Cheryl, you’re amazing.” “Careful,” I say. “Looks like rain.” He leans against his car, gives me a look. He places his hands on my … Continue reading The Chase
The Checklist
I could either lie awake afraid, or angry. I choose anger. But I didn’t become angry at Marty for not giving me a raise this year, or the soccer coach who benched Debbie because of her attitude. I got mad at me, Cheryl DeMarco. At my younger self. I got mad that I am a … Continue reading The Checklist
Insomniac
Outerbridge voices
Reach from rest
Nothing lays still
In nether fog
Spread blankets
Over graves
Burgundy sipped
As midnight rises
Bloated at world’s end
Fold newspaper
Horoscope out
Dead swamp, dark layers
Save for future
Space in the attic
Like one more box
Where dust descends
Wait for deliverance
As purgatorial voices
Gather in layers
Outside rotted doors
1968
A friend’s dad is a ward leader and we get to be on the advance team for Robert F. Kennedy and that means Secret Service clearance and other privileges. When RFK arrives in Philadelphia in late March, we ride in the motorcade out to Our Lady of Czethochowa in Doylestown. Because we have college kid … Continue reading 1968
Camille Peruto in Concert!
Welcome to the Neighborhood
I decided to explore, find a hoagie shop somewhere. Hunger and the need to get my bearings allowed me to set aside the unpacking for a while. I had moved away from this neighborhood 30 years earlier. The places I knew then had either closed or changed ownership long ago. The residents were now predominately … Continue reading Welcome to the Neighborhood
The Reader
Mr. Landrew read like crazy. When I was a kid, about twice a month he’d saunter down Albanus Street in the Olney section of Philadelphia carrying the latest pile of books he’d gotten out of the library. He’d use one of his old belts to tie them into a bundle. It was a big bundle, … Continue reading The Reader
It’s Not Fair
That I should awake each day
Dream-sliding on a bed of my own
And know three meals will be consumed
Washed down with water running through
Drive to my job. Get lost in my work.
Light a votive for my sleeping wife
Praise how she graces my existence
That I can walk in October woods
While leaves descend in tongues of fire
Or by the Atlantic on a summer’s eve
Feel eternity in the soles of my feet
I can laugh (what power!); sing in the shower
And down ice-dazzled beer on Friday nights
That my health so far, so good (knock wood)
Watch my daughter grow proud and strong
Savoring experiences that her path offers
I can read great books or gossip columns
Watch TV by the light of the fireplace
Cherish the beauty of women with proper respect
Find youth-light in the withered faces of the old
And wisdom in a toddler’s pronouncement
That I can stand awestruck in kiss-ling snow
Or listen to rain romancing the streets
Look up at the star-quilt from a country road
And praise all who have hallowed my journey
For vast legions of humanity dead and alive
Aren’t so blest. And it’s not fair! It’s not fair!
Dizzy Returns
I’m a light sleeper anyway. I miss nothing: the creak of a door, the settling of a load-bearing wall, the slightest rustle of the living room curtains. It was a little after 5 a.m. when I awoke. There was noise at my door. Someone knocked about trying to get the key in the two locks. … Continue reading Dizzy Returns
The Opposite of Social Distancing
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This was written for the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin in 2005. Long before COVID-19. A different time. A different world, even. It ran with a different headline. I bumped into Al Durante at about 5:30 one morning at the Dunkin’ Donuts on East Lincoln Highway in Langhorne. I don’t quite remember all the details. … Continue reading The Opposite of Social Distancing
Meet Trouble
“Strawberry daiquiri,” you tell the bartender. He’s not happy. It’s not shot-n-beer. You just tagged yourself “outsider” in this tough Philly neighborhood. Now you’ve broken two “too” rules: ordering a too-fancy drink, and sitting too close to Trouble. You’re trying your best not to let on that you notice, but Trouble’s next to you. Her … Continue reading Meet Trouble
Frank Diamond 