Tag Archives: Short Stories

Every sensitive person carries in himself old cities enclosed by ancient walls

Posted on February 11, 2026 by Brian D. Butler

“Every sensitive person carries in himself old cities enclosed by ancient walls.” — Robert Walser Sadly, Robert Walser is not often read these days, especially by English speakers. He had a tragic life, but penned some extraordinary literature. Due to a … Continue reading →

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Once Upon a Time

Posted on February 6, 2026 by Brian D. Butler

 

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There was once a country where everyone was a thief.

Posted on December 14, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

The Black Sheep Italo Calvino There was once a country where everyone was a thief. At night each inhabitant went out armed with a crowbar and a lantern, and broke into a neighbor’s house. On returning at dawn, loaded down … Continue reading →

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Nine Billion Names of God

Posted on October 6, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

“The Nine Billion Names of God” is a 1953 science fiction short story by British writer Arthur C. Clarke. The story was among the stories selected in 1970 by the Science Fiction Writers of America as one of the best science fiction short stories published … Continue reading →

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One of These Days

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

“One of These Days” by Gabriel García Márquez translated by J.S. Bernstein Monday dawned warm and rainless. Aurelio Escovar, a dentist without a degree, and a very early riser, opened his office at six. He took some false teeth, still … Continue reading →

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The First Day

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

“On an otherwise unremarkable September morning, long before I learned to be ashamed of my mother, she takes my hand and we set off down New Jersey Avenue to begin my very first day of school.” –“The First Day” from Lost … Continue reading →

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It Explains So Much

Posted on May 26, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

“Neglect” by Joy Williams from 99 Stories of God The Lord was asked if He believed in reincarnation. I do, He said. It explains so much. What does it explain, Sir? someone asked. On your last Fourth of July festivities, I … Continue reading →

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The Citizen and the Traveller

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

“The Citizen and the Traveller,” a short fable from Robert Louis Stevenson  

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The Fall

Posted on May 9, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

“The Fall” by Russell Edson There was a man who found two leaves and came indoors holding them out saying to his parents that he was a tree. To which they said then go into the yard and do not … Continue reading →

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Heaven and Hell

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

“Report on Heaven and Hell” by Silvina Ocampo translation by Edith Grossman Heaven and Hell, like the great auction galleries, have heaps of objects accumulated in their passageways, objects that will not surprise anyone because they are the same things … Continue reading →

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