Who’s got your back?

On the morning of June 16th, Joel Freeling began his last, long walk. He’d spent the past 8 years on death row for the murders of over a dozen women. He’d used up all his appeals, and his execution was at hand.

Joel’s younger brother, Christopher, had built his law career around his brother’s crimes. Christopher spent hours going over the prosecution’s case, looking for the slightest thing that could prove his brother’s innocence.

Less than a week before Joel’s execution, detectives in the Freeling Murders case received a tip on where to find more bodies…

“First, think. Second, dream. Third, believe. And finally, dare.“— Walt Disney

What is a dream? Is it that movie that runs through your head while you sleep? Is it those thoughts that boggle your mind in the middle of a mundane task? Is it that little voice that sits in the shadows of your imagination? Yes!

I’ve always been a dreamer and have always wanted to be a writer. Even as a child, I was creating characters and scenarios in my head. At the time, I had no idea I was being a writer. I was just having fun. …

It was the only stop for miles around. Caleb pulled over, noticing that even though the place had been abandoned for years, there were several cars on the lot.

As he got out and walked around, he saw an old pop machine. It was broken down but there was still one pop left inside. He tried pulling on the bottle but it wouldn’t move. He pulled a little harder when he heard a low growl coming from within the machine. Suddenly, something grabbed him, pulling him in. He screamed, but it was too late.

Caleb Danning was never seen again.

…

It’s nice to be applauded

Do you clap for a piece when you read it? I remember when clapping for a story on Medium meant something, but now it doesn’t count for much. Or does it?

I still clap for each piece I read. I usually give the maximum amount, but not always. Depends on how much I liked what I read. Why do I do it? Because, to me, it tells that author, “Thanks for writing this. I really enjoyed it.”

Now, here’s the kicker. I LOVE seeing those clapping hands on my pieces. I know it doesn’t count…

I’d spent a lifetime trying to prove that we, as humans, had evolved from a variety of species, not just primates. I was ridiculed, but I didn’t care. All I had to do was find that one fossil that could prove me right.

I knew that in order to find my proof, I’d have to begin my search on one of the islands of the Indo-Pacific region. After more than a decade of searching, I’d finally found him. The Cromolda. The creature that would eventually become a modern human.

Who knew I’d also prove the existence of Reptilian Giants.

Unless it’s against a rhyme-loving poet

I am a firm believer that all humans deserve to live their lives without discrimination. I am also a poet who loves to write rhyming poetry. I’ve been writing in this style for more than 40 years, so I’ve got a few examples under my belt. So what’s the problem? I am highly discriminated against for doing so.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always gravitated toward rhymed/metered poetry. I love the way it flows. I love the way it sounds. And I love the way it makes me feel. I love…