A Journal for the Bent

AC|DC / 1.2
October 8, 2024

The Face and the Heel by J.S. Crawford

I press My Lover's face into the mat and watch as the blood pumps out of the cut on his forehead. The opening bell still rings in my ears. The crowd cheers in a way that can only be described as bloodthirsty. He’s screaming and I know he loves it. The cameramen wheel around the ring like spirits haunting my every move. I stand up and look down on My Lover. His body is covered in sweat and bruises, all of them my doing. I raise my fists into the air and strut around the ring like I already won the belt. We planned this part. My showboating. He knows how much I love to hear my name chanted from the mouths of thousands and from between his two soft lips. Right now, there is only time for one. The crowd comes first on Sunday nights. Continue Reading

AC|DC/ 1.1
August 27, 2024

The Typical Middle School Experience by Ryder Smith

Roe and Bowen stand just outside of their middle school’s entrance, having their first real argument as a couple. Roe is angry about something trivial and childish that his new boyfriend, Bowen, did. Bowen feels sheepish and meek in the presence of his new boyfriend. Roe lets Bowen know they’d talk about this tomorrow. Bowen agrees but realizes that tomorrow’s conversation would probably be too awkward after today’s fight, so he decides on his own to put it off indefinitely, or at least until he feels prepared to take it on. Roe goes to a school practice room and cries out shrill, emotional notes until his vocal cords burn. Bowen silently walks back to his lakeside home and stares at the Huron. Continue Reading