Top 50 Classic Short Stories

Michelle Moira Moran is buried in the Veterans Cemetery in Canton Georgia. It is a beautiful place. On the day of her burial we passed several wild turkeys on the sides of the roads. She is buried next to her mother Dorothea. She is missed greatly by her proud father Robert and her twin brother John Boylan Moran. This little story is in her memory. It is written with love in my heart for her brave little heart.

This is a short Memorial Day tribute to brave men and women in the United States Armed Forces.

What does an old man do when confronted with a danger? He remembers what he is, he remembers his oath to "fight all enemies, foreign and domestic." The story title says it all.

My effort towards a Father's Day story. Hope you enjoy it.

On 15 September 1942 the USS WASP (CV 7) was struck my multiple torpedoes that caused massive fires and tremendous explosions. After a forty minute effort to fight the fires, abandon ship was ordered. 193 crewmen lost their lives. One of those crewmen had written a letter to his five year-old son, which I offer you on Veteran's Day 2024 as a reminder of why these days of national rememberance and honor are so important.

A personal reflection on the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and thereafter.

In 1910, Two people realize that they need to renew their love. A story about the nature of true love, and how that love evolves over time. Romantic and spiritual, providing us all hope and a way to look at out relationships.

A Story in the Naked In School Universe
My seventh and final NiS story. This one's a little different--it doesn't follow the pattern of my others, it's shorter, and it's entirely from Michelle's POV. More is explained within. And, it's a weeper--bring your hanky.

A Driftwood on Memory's River...Story
Wintertime! Country Roads! School Busses! A young girl with a crush...a young high school freshman on the threshold of manhood, who comes to care for her with a special fondness... treating her as he would a little sister. May you find this endearing story of two people's innocent affections for one another enriching as you enjoy this sweet poignant slice of life.

This is an essay I wrote eleven years ago as an assignment for my English Composition class. It's a reflection on what Memorial Day means to us today.

A Making of a Gigolo Story
Bobby Dalton got married. But was that the end of his story? The women he didn't marry pledged to his bride that they'd leave him alone. Did they honor that pledge? What about his prodigious sex drive? And just how many babies did he father after all? Loose ends are tied up - and created.

Rendering Honors

Part of Travel and Adventures
We all walk the Low Road sooner or later, but we may not have to walk it alone.

A short story of how some remember their Mothers.

Sometimes, love comes to us in the blink of an eye, and leaves just as quickly. And it can be very painful. But the alternative is loneliness and regret over what might have been. So embrace it when it comes to you, and return it in kind. What else is there?

A Stringbreaker Tale
(Stringbreaker III) A soul destroyed, a free spirit and a woman in love.

An old veteran walks to the wall of remembrance and remembers. --- A short little piece that I had to get down tonight so it may be a bit rough but I hope people see it for what it says.

A Story in the Life in the Suburbs Universe
The Ghost Reporter of the local newspaper is at the finish line of the 20 km City Fun Run. What he sees and reports moves his column from page three to the front page. Set in Australia.

Gebriele's grief and heartache are finally put to rest.

This is the speech I wrote as the guest speaker for the Parshall, ND Memorial Day celebration. I think it was well received and there weren't many dry eyes in the room after I spoke.

Thoughts and memories of our nation's birthday.

Father's been away 3 years. His young family's meeting him at the airport. --- Bad Fred, said --- It's poignant, and you hit the right notes. If I didn't know it was your story and trust you, I would have drifted away in the first few paragraphs. It moved slowly. It was lovely, but it wasn't hitting my "what happens next?" buttons. Well, until the end when it all comes together. Readers who stick with it will be rewarded. Set in Australia.

Max Wagner has reached rock bottom when fate offers him a second chance. A famous man and a pretty widow give him reason to reclaim his life. Disaster strikes, and Max rises to the challenge.

A Beach House Story
Written by one of the Musketeers, I've posted this on her behalf. I found it to be a wonderful recounting from a very different perspective. It's meant to be read after The Beach House and Musketeer stories. It's short, but sweet, and essentially a synopsis of what she told me in a lengthy conversation. I hope you'll enjoy it for what it is and please feel free to send me a note.

Just a note about Mother's Day remembered.

It was my pleasure to see the old man's face light up, as a dream that had been stopped in it's tracks, finally came true.

A Story in the Old Man's Musings Universe
This is an old man's last rant to an anonymous visitor. You probably shouldn't read it.

A Middletown story
A sequel to my story "Peace of Mind".

The Last Ride of Iceman and Gypsy Jane

A young boy's image of his hero is shattered as he realizes the man is only human. In time, he comes to realize that ordinary humans can be heroes, too. A no-sex story about coming of age. Also available as an audiobook from SToMP3 (The Stories on MP3 Project).

A Driftwood on Memory's River...Story
A Young boy makes a Mysterious Discovery! A Lady well underway on her Eternal Journey! A Grieving Sister has a Memorable Meeting with a Special person in a Quiet Garden of Remembrance. A Young Boy's Awakening! Sweet Poignant Dandelion Memories of Yesterday's Roses...

A Christmas story.

The story of an old man who was and still is a devoted loving husband.

A tribute

A Story in the A Fresh Start Universe
This short story was written as an adjunct to rlfj's "A Fresh Start." It explores how a good man's actions and words might affect those who witness them, and how those effects might expand into something that is more far reaching, and longer lasting, than anyone could have contemplated at the time. It has spoilers, and should not be read before Chapter 162 of A Fresh Start. I hope you enjoy it.

A story in the Tales From The Shack Universe
A Tale of a Knight, Monsters, and a Tarnished Russian Angel