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Posts by J.L. Smith

I am a writer/political scientist based in Eagle River, Alaska. I hold a BA degree in English/Creative Writing and a MA in International Relations. Best of both worlds, I write everything from naturalistic poetry to Russia and the former Soviet Republics. Recent publications: Academic Nonfiction: The Syrian Dilemma: Moscow's Motives in the Syrian Uprising (2013). ISBN: 9781304283931 Creative Nonfiction: "The Important Things" - Alaska Women Speak - Winter 2015 issue Fiction: How to Eat a Bagel - 50-word Stories - Sept 15, 2015 The Devil and the White Room - Down in the Dirt - July/August 2016 Poetry: "Sara" - Grassroots - Fall 1999 "Femininity" - Cirque - Summer 2015 "Sitting in the Bathroom" - Yellow Chair Review - July 2015 "A Happy Poem" - Eunoia Review - August 2015 "Willow Rebuilds" "Spectators" "Fire Angels" - Alaska Women Speak- Fall 2015 "Dark Clouds Descend Low" - Three Line Poetry - Issue 33 - Sept 2015 "Da!" - Peeking Cat Poetry - 8th issue - Oct 2015 "Three times my baby's stroller passes by" - Eunoia Review - Oct 2015 "Babushka's Samovar", "If I May Speak", and "High Tea and Fancy Things" - Alaska Women Speak - Winter 2015 Issue "Joanna's Child" - Cirque - Winter Solstice issue 2015. "Away with the Bitterness!" - Peeking Cat Poetry - 9th Issue - Dec 2015 "Away with the Bitterness!" - Alaska Shorts (49 Writers blog) - December 22, 2015 "The Reflex", "The Drop Off", and "Crossed Eyes" - Eskimo Pie - Feb 2016 "The Fragments You Carry", "The Fireweed Dies", and "Crabapples" - 13 Chairs - Spring 2016

Excerpt: Medusa – The Lost Daughter

From “The Final Curse”

Fate comes with a warning to those who can
see its signs, embracing it without fear.

Medusa is available for purchase at Politics and Prose at http://www.politics-prose.com/book/9781624291272

Excerpt: Medusa – The Lost Daughter

From “Athena’s War”

Justice is not always reserved for those
who deserve it, but for those who will be
protected by those who will provide it.

Medusa is available for purchase at Politics and Prose at http://www.politics-prose.com/book/9781624291272

Excerpt – Medusa – The Lost Daughter

From “The Prophecy”

Like the sun retreats in the west each night,
and as sure as the day will draw to an
end each evening, a mortal’s life hastens
to end in an uncertain amount of
hours, days and years.

Medusa is available for purchase at Politics and Prose at http://www.politics-prose.com/book/9781624291272

Excerpt: Medusa – The Lost Daughter

From “The Last One”

One should be leery of the guest who comes
unannounced, for such guests rarely come
by accident, but by a careful plan.

Medusa is available for purchase at Politics and Prose at http://www.politics-prose.com/book/9781624291272