issue #8

Bloom

Speculative Nonfiction #8: Bloom

What blooms besides flowers and algae? Love blooms, of course, but so does the Corpse Flower (every 7-10 years). Bruises bloom, unfortunately, but so does a blush and hope and the future. Blooms die sometimes from a late frost, but if you want to view something at its most beautiful, consider cherry blossoms at the the height of bloom, right before they fall, before the wind carries them away, which in 15th century Japan became a zenith of Japanese aesthetic culture mono no aware - the intense beauty of impermanence.

Let the wind carry your thoughts on this blooming mission. Send us your blooms...  let them carry us away.

Writers’ Guidelines: In general, we publish work of 2,500 words or less. This is not a strict limit, however we ask that writers only submit work that aligns with the theme of the issue and is speculative in nature.

Note on Submission Fee: Speculative Nonfiction waives the submission fee for writers who make a financial contribution (any amount) to either the NAACP Legal Defense Fund or The Movement for Black Lives. Please send donation receipts to speculativenonfiction@gmail.com. Thank you for supporting these organizations working to dismantle white supremacy. Additionally, if, for reasons of financial hardship, you are unable to pay the $3 submission fee, please contact us directly at speculativenonfiction@gmail.com to request a fee waiver.