“The First Lagahoo” by Junior McIntyre

The moon rose this night as it had done in the days, months, and years before, as it would tomorrow and the night after that if life remained, but this night was different. 

“The Woodsman” by Kristine Simelda

The Woodsman takes a nip of rum and stares out from under the brim of his battered ball cap. “Fucking Green Hell,” he mutters under his breath . . .

“The Night Shape Shifter” by Kirk Budhooram

Is years I waiting for God to smile on me. And is years the devil pissing on me. Sometimes I think I is the orphan child of the both a them.

“The Road You Take” by Jean Wolfersteig

I suppose I should’ve listened to my Gramoon when she scolded me with her old sayings.

“Bottlemouth” by Justin Haynes

Q: [tapping the photograph] Where’s the little girl? Where’s Anisa Quashie?
A: We do not know Anisa Quashie.

Black History Month Sale!

Celebrate Black History Month with sales from Akashic.

“La-La Land” by Kevin Jared Hosein

Men is stupid creatures, you know. Anyone ask, tell them La-La say that . . .

“Daddy Bats is Not Coming to Save You” by Justin Haynes

Daddy Bats lives with you in a one-bedroom flat in Belmont—until today. This morning, Daddy Bats flicks the cold from the corners of your eyes, and just after Radio Trinidad announces the day’s deaths, he marches you between lively trucks and horn-blowing super saloons up the hill to the orphanage.

“Don’t worry, son,” Daddy Bats says as he kneels before you. “Is only for a few days. Then I will save you . . .”