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Stories

A painting of figures in dark red coats gathered near a glowing fire in a forest, symbolizing Kentucky poet laureate Silas House's essay on how poems and songs provide hope and community in the divided America of 2025.

A Crackling Fire of Hope

Kentucky poet laureate Silas House on how poetry serves as a theological lesson, a source of community, and a lifeline during the upheaval of 2025.

Chain Lightning

A short story about an old man, a young man, the checkout line, and small things that feel like justice.

The Peacock Pilgrimage

Our Southern Reader’s Travelogue series continues with a visit to Milledgeville, Georgia, where Flannery O’Connor raised peacocks until her death at age 39. Peacocks still roam at Andalusia, and the rest of the property looks just like it did when she was writing her classic novels and stories.

Colossal Love

One about where to grow old together. Another about where to put the remains when we’re gone.

Word Efficiency

Why Will Maguire’s “Chain Lightning” is magical.

The Southern Reader’s Travelogue: Zora Neale Hurston

If you’re a Southern literature lover whose summertime reading aspirations don’t involve sand and sunburn, we have some travel ideas that don’t require sunscreen.

A Brighter, Broader South

A few words on what Salvation South has become as we approach our second anniversary.

Teach Joyfully. Then Rock.

Drs. Jordan and Hawley—who’ve covered teaching with our editor for a decade—tell a story that belies the negative view of public-school teachers.

The Mema Poems

From North Georgia come two verses to honor a mountain matriarch, a woman of courage, who does what needs to be done.

Sand Dollar

Forty-five years in, Sherry’s life doesn’t amount to much. But then, she meets a pair of sisters almost twice her age who could redeem her. Except…

Jackals, Jesus, and Butterflies

Three poems from the Cajun country of western Louisiana.

From Underneath the Pier to a Tidy Suburb

This week’s stories range from the hard life in Myrtle Beach to the good life—even during the pandemic—in a Birmingham suburb.

Dad Rock

Legions took solitary walks in the woods. Multitudes baked bread. But when COVID hit Birmingham, five suburban guys formed a band. Meet the Kensingtons.